Somali-Americans in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Respond to the World Wide Rally for Somalia

On March 9th, 2007, Somali-Americans demonstrated in front of the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, DC. They carried banners and placards that clearly stated their message against Ethiopia’s illegal invasion and occupation of Somalia. Some of the expressive placards read: “SOMALIA NEEDS PEACE NOT WAR,” “STOP KILLING INNOCENT CIVILIANS,” “END ETHIOPIA’S ILLEGAL OCCUPATION,” and “STOP DICTATOR ZENAWI.” In addition, the protestors chanted in Unison, “WHAT DO WE WANT? PEACE! WHEN DO WE WANT IT? NOW” & “SHAME ETHIOPIA, SHAME, SHAME DICTATOR ZENAWI, SHAME.”

Half way into the rally, one of the organizers announced that there was [a call from reporters of a Somalia based radio station, inquiring about the protest and its ultimate goals. Hearing such news, coming from the same people protestors represented, brought much emotion and renewed energy. The same was experienced when the Somali section reporter from Voice of America made his way into the crowd. As though he was their own son, they crowded around him and informed him of the reasons for their demonstration, while drowning him in songs of patriotism.

Audio sample from the demonstration

As the protestors chanted, the crowd grew larger and the chanting louder and more dramatic. Ominously, an official from the Ethiopian Embassy appeared behind the carefully guarded fence of the Embassy and started taking photographs of the demonstrators. The protestors took the photo taking as an attempt at intimidation from the outlaw regime of Zenawi, and a reminder of what those seeking justice in Somalia and Ethiopia experience on a daily basis. The demonstrators chanted louder and shifted their attention toward the Ethiopian government photographer, with the message that Ethiopian troops may be able to harass, torture, rape and even kill those in Somalia, but the people would never be intimidated into silence. As the chanting got stronger, workers from other nearby Embassies started peaking through office windows waving peace-signs and thumbs-up gestures. Delighted at those gestures of solidarity and support, the crowd roared with joy and broke out into song, singing the Somali National Anthem, while waving American and Somali flags.