In Eritrea, nothing is accidental. The dictator knows he is widely hated by Eritreans, and he would never allow himself to be humiliated the way Dr. Debretsion was—when ordinary Tigrayans expressed their rejection simply by refusing to participate in the charade.
This is how the Eritrean dictator and his cohort make meticulous preparations before staging any festivity. The first line of defense consists of hardcore loyalists, mostly women organized under the so-called Eritrean Women’s Association. They are placed in the front rows of the stadium. Their role is to clap, applaud, and ululate whenever the dictator pauses during his speech. They are used as the opening act to warm up the crowd and cue the remaining participants to follow along.
For example, in his latest so-called “Independence Day” speech, the dictator claimed that the rapprochement and honeymoon between himself and Abiy Ahmed had stalled or failed. As if on cue, the women began clapping, and the rest of the audience followed.
The second line of defense is blackmail and extortion. Notices are sent to people ordering them to attend these events. If they fail to show up, their allowances—essentially government subsidies—may be suspended.
The third line of defense is simple and blunt: intimidation. Failing to appear at the festivities can bring unspecified and potentially severe consequences.