Ethiopians in DC meet with Kenyan Ambassador

Ethiopians in DC hold a protest rally in front of the Kenyan Embassy
Ethiopians in DC hold a protest rally in front of the
Kenyan Embassy. [photo: Abraham Takele]

Ethiopians in DC met with Kenyan ambassador to the U.S., Mr. Peter N.R.O Ogego, today and lodged their protest against the murder of Ethiopians refugees in Kenya by Woyanne gunmen.

According to Citizen TV, a major Kenyan TV, ten Ethiopian refugees have been killed in the past few weeks alone. Many have been beaten, some were kidnapped by Woyanne gunmen. The victims are university students and journalists who fled to Kenya to escape Woyanne crackdown on protesters following the May 2005 elections.

The Kinijit DC Metro officials Ato Yilma Adamu, Ato Alemayehu Abebe and other representatives of the protestors appealed to Ambassador Ogego to impress upon his government to protect the refugees from Woyanne gunmen. Kenya, as in any other country, as an international obligation to protect refugees.

Ambassador Ogego told the protesters who were holding a demonstration in front of the Kenya embassy that they do not need to be outside. He said the Kenya embassy is their home, too, and they can came in and talk to him any time about their concern.

Happy with the ambassador’s polite reception and satisfied that the ambassadors is willing to communicate their message to his government, the protesters expressed their appreciation and dispersed.

What a contrast to the way Ethiopian protesters are treated by Woyanne embassy officials in DC and around the world. [More photos below.]

Ethiopians in DC hold a protest rally in front of the Kenyan EmbassyEthiopians in DC hold a protest rally in front of the Kenyan Embassy
[photo: Abraham Takele]