Call for Peaceful Protest by All Oromos in Washington, D.C.

To All Oromo nationals and friends of the Oromo in the Diaspora,

The Oromo Youth Self-Help Association (OYSA), in collaboration with other sisterly associations:  the Oromo Community Organization (OCO) of Washington D.C. area, and the Oromo Studies Association (OSA), has organized a peaceful protest to be held in Washington, D.C., in front of the White House and the U.S. State Department, on Friday, August 02, 2013 to request the U.S. administration put pressure on:

• the Ethiopian regime to stop the mass killings and displacements of Oromos in Mayu Muluqqee, Qumbii, and Cilaqsan in East Hararge, Manasibu in West Wollega, and Moyale in Boranaa of Oromia,
• the Ethiopian regime to release Bekele Gerba, Olbana Lelisa and thousands of Oromo political prisoners,
• the UNHCR, Egyptian, Yemen and Djibouti governments to protect Oromo refugees in Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti as well as respect the UN convention on political immigrants.

All Oromos and friends of the Oromos living in metropolitan areas of Washington D.C. (Maryland, Virginia), Pennsylvania, NY, Texas, Minneapolis, Seattle, Atlanta, etc are kindly asked to stand with us and advocate for our people who have been unjustly killed, displaced, incarcerated and silenced. This is also to protest against the inhumane treatment of Oromo immigrants in Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti. Together, we can make a difference by speaking up for our people. We should say ‘Stop’ to the dictatorial regime in Ethiopia, and uplift the voice of our people to the world forum. It is evident that our people are suffering because of their identity, outlook and beliefs. Therefore, this is the time when you can take a practical action by standing with them and telling about their pains, which we all carry with us. Every shout and every protest will eventually make a difference!

Let’s act and march together, let’s stand side by side in large numbers and show to the world that we are serious about our people’s rights. Let’s show again and again to the U.S. policy makers that we are indeed a strong force to reckon with and shall not be ignored.

On our previous protest of January 25, 2013, we proved that the Oromo youth was the real engine of Oromo power as we stood together with our seniors in extreme weather carrying placards, shouting slogans, and singing “Tokkummaa; Tokkummaa.” Come and join us again! Don’t let any business or reason stop you! As we have done before, let’s make every effort to be there for our brethren on this day. This is a tiny sacrifice that we can pay for our nation Oromia!

Please also share this announcement to all in your domains; through social media, such as facebook, twitter, email, via phone, paltalk, blogs, front-pages of websites, through radio/TV and personally in social gatherings.

United we stand, divided we fall!

Abebe Etana,
Chairman of the Oromo Youth Self-Help Association (OYSA)/WWDO, Washington, DC

Protest Date: Friday, August 02, 2013
Protest Time: 9:00AM – 1:00PM
Protest Place: In front of The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500 and then march to U.S. State Department, 2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20520

Contact:
- Oromo Youth Self-Help Association, Washington D.C.: Tel. 202-705-6585
- Oromo Community Organization, Washington D.C.: Tel. 202-234-1151

>gadaa