A crowd of Ethiopian Canadians estimated between four and five hundred protesters blockaded in front of the Chestnut Student Residence and Conference Center in downtown Toronto. The protesters who represented all the Ethiopian communities have obtained a permit to protest in the only entrance of the University of Toronto’s student residence.
The large crowd appeared very well organized. It had slogans in Amharic, Somali, Oromo, and English languages that the protesters sang together. It appeared as if these protesters have been practising their multilingual slogans for a while since they all sang together in unison in every language without making the slightest linguistic mistake.
One of the slogans that elicited the most cheers from all the protesters was that of ‘Xaar Wayaano.’ The slogan which means ‘Woyane Excrement’ is a derogatory term that the Ogaden Somalis use to refer to those who support the current Woyane regime in Addis Ababa.
anticipated the large crowd of protesters at all.
They all also appeared exacerbated by the Toronto police officers’ insistence that the protesters remain in front of the only entrance of the conference center where the meeting were to be held. At one time a representative of the Ethiopian embassy in Ottawa implored the Toronto police officers to escort many of the would-be meeting attendees some of whom have decided to leave instead of going through the large crowd.
The Toronto police officers have finally convinced the large crowd to open two narrow laneways where would-be attendees of the meeting could pass through. Although the crowd opened the passage way, but, by then, the management of the University student residence and conference center decided to bar many of the would-be meeting attendees from entering the
conference center.
Members of the Ethiopian protesters who succeeded in entering the meeting venue have texted the crowd that there has been a scuffle inside the meeting room. When the University security were called in, they have informed the meeting organizers they could not tell who was for and against the meeting since all those who were present in the meeting were vetted at the front door by the very individuals who called security in the first place.
Instead of engaging the desperate meeting organizers, the head of theUniversity conference center have informed both campus and Toronto police at the front door that they should allow no one into the conference room. The large crowd cheered wildly any time, and every time, a would-be meeting attendee was turned away from entering the meeting venue.
While many would-be attendees were turned away, the most notable was an individual by the name Mohamud Qalinle Kaahiin better known locally as ‘Quule’ who was a day earlier heard bragging about the fact that he had organized the very meeting that he was turned away from.
Also turned away from the meeting were so-called prominent members of the Oromo and Harar communities who brag about their alliance and allegiance with the Woyane regime in Addis Ababa. Many could not believe the fact that they could not enter the meeting venue. Some begged the police officers to let them in to no avail.
Around 5:00 pm local time, the protest organizers called in speakers from the Amhara, Oromo, and Ogaden Somali communities to give speeches. All the speakers emphasized the united voice of all those who were present in the protest.
Having listened to the passionate speeches of the protest leaders, an old man who could barely walk approached one of our reporters to intimate, in Amharic, his giddiness in seeing Ethiopians of all stripes coming together to oppose the regime in Addis Ababa in one voice.
He said while Ethiopians of all stripes now see the Ethiopian premier’s trickery in creating what he called ‘ethnic-based federalism,’ he is quite happy that all those who oppose the Woyane regime have realized the value of unity of purpose in pooling their resources to oppose the Woyane domination of Ethiopia.
The protest peacefully concluded at 6:00 PM while the meeting was cut short and many of the attendees left through a backdoor exit at around 5:30 PM.
Comments (16)
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written by F g, April 11, 2011
Dear Dalmar Bundid,
Don't dream Ogaden. That is Non sense and never happen. If you dream to be a somalian, then you can go to Somalia. Simple. Somalie people are in all parts of the horn of Africa: in kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibuti. They are living peacefully in their respective countries. Nothing especial about Ethiopian Somalies. Those of you who say we are not Ethiopian, then you can go some where you want. You should not mess up with Ethiopia. By the way do you know why you are fighting? You don't. Let me tell you why. You fight because others try to fulfill their interest through your fight. Think about it. If you want a proof just look at who is providing you guns.
By the way, if you believe in being an Ethiopian, then we can fight together the weyane. If you don't believe in being an Ethiopian, just leave our land and go any where you want. We, the Ethiopians fight both you and weyane until every ethnic in Ethiopia, including Ethiopian somalie.
You will regret of your deeds one day.
Don't dream Ogaden. That is Non sense and never happen. If you dream to be a somalian, then you can go to Somalia. Simple. Somalie people are in all parts of the horn of Africa: in kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibuti. They are living peacefully in their respective countries. Nothing especial about Ethiopian Somalies. Those of you who say we are not Ethiopian, then you can go some where you want. You should not mess up with Ethiopia. By the way do you know why you are fighting? You don't. Let me tell you why. You fight because others try to fulfill their interest through your fight. Think about it. If you want a proof just look at who is providing you guns.
By the way, if you believe in being an Ethiopian, then we can fight together the weyane. If you don't believe in being an Ethiopian, just leave our land and go any where you want. We, the Ethiopians fight both you and weyane until every ethnic in Ethiopia, including Ethiopian somalie.
You will regret of your deeds one day.
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written by non-political, April 11, 2011
PREVIEW Comment from: Non-political [Visitor]
I do not support the government but was there to genuinely hear how I can get involved in Ethiopia's growth.
But there was a conflict between the message and the messengers. I truly believe the message is well intended. Ethiopia is going to spend billions of dollars over the next 5 years in development. And the government is saying, 'come and get involved. Help yourselves and help your country.' That is a great message. Some protesters had signs opposing the involvement of foreign nationals in Ethiopian business. This is the opportunity to become the alternative to those foreign nationals.
On the other hand, there are indeed unanswered questions about the messengers. The lack of transparency in the business ventures of government supported investments is a huge concern. There are indeed two laws, one for those who are connected to the government and another for those who are not (as diaspora investors would be.) It is also well intentioned to hold those responsible accountable.
So we have a quagmire. Both sides are right in promoting their agendas. This is politics, same as the show down last week in the US between the democrats and the republicans.
So no name calling. The process is working. Ethiopia will benefit from these struggles at the end.
I do not support the government but was there to genuinely hear how I can get involved in Ethiopia's growth.
But there was a conflict between the message and the messengers. I truly believe the message is well intended. Ethiopia is going to spend billions of dollars over the next 5 years in development. And the government is saying, 'come and get involved. Help yourselves and help your country.' That is a great message. Some protesters had signs opposing the involvement of foreign nationals in Ethiopian business. This is the opportunity to become the alternative to those foreign nationals.
On the other hand, there are indeed unanswered questions about the messengers. The lack of transparency in the business ventures of government supported investments is a huge concern. There are indeed two laws, one for those who are connected to the government and another for those who are not (as diaspora investors would be.) It is also well intentioned to hold those responsible accountable.
So we have a quagmire. Both sides are right in promoting their agendas. This is politics, same as the show down last week in the US between the democrats and the republicans.
So no name calling. The process is working. Ethiopia will benefit from these struggles at the end.
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written by Laamalooshe, April 11, 2011
Dear dalmar
Unless we do a leap in consciousness and understand that the Key of an oppressor is always the disunity of the oppressed we will be under the oppressors shackles. We cannot always be captive to our past and lament those who wronged us by-gone times ago, while a more dangerous and vicious killer is dismantling our very existanace as a people. The Amaharas, Oromos and all others are today on the same boat with us. Karma has caught out with them and we are all suffering in unison. And the fact that we need each other is a lesson from Allah for those who can understand.
So let us stop indirectly serving the Woyane by dumping the spirit of these masses rising ang get along with the task of dismantling the Meles Oppressive machinery.
I don't think Amahara or any body of sane mind will expect to step in the Shoe of the Woyane and restart the former Ethiopian Empire. That is history. The way forward is Communities of independent nations in the Horn of Africa living in harmony and symbiosis.
The independence of The Somalis in the Ogaden is a forgone conclusion, but we need to support our brethen in Ethiopia- Oromos, Amharas, Urages, Afars and others. Unless all enjoy a measure of freedom we will never be in peace. As for Oromos taking land from Somalis- That is falacious, because Oromos and Somalis are one big cushitic family and when we both our acquire our independence back we will form the federated Cushitic states of Africa. Of couse we will not forget our sisters children, the Habashas who, when they migrated from the Arabian penisula, we gave assylum and married to our daughters. Athough our grandchildren had given us enough headaches still they are from us and will not be as bad as them wayward children. We will given them their freedom as long as they forgo their mania for hegemony.
Todobay talo ka dhalataa ee ha ka hordhicin.
laamalooshe
Unless we do a leap in consciousness and understand that the Key of an oppressor is always the disunity of the oppressed we will be under the oppressors shackles. We cannot always be captive to our past and lament those who wronged us by-gone times ago, while a more dangerous and vicious killer is dismantling our very existanace as a people. The Amaharas, Oromos and all others are today on the same boat with us. Karma has caught out with them and we are all suffering in unison. And the fact that we need each other is a lesson from Allah for those who can understand.
So let us stop indirectly serving the Woyane by dumping the spirit of these masses rising ang get along with the task of dismantling the Meles Oppressive machinery.
I don't think Amahara or any body of sane mind will expect to step in the Shoe of the Woyane and restart the former Ethiopian Empire. That is history. The way forward is Communities of independent nations in the Horn of Africa living in harmony and symbiosis.
The independence of The Somalis in the Ogaden is a forgone conclusion, but we need to support our brethen in Ethiopia- Oromos, Amharas, Urages, Afars and others. Unless all enjoy a measure of freedom we will never be in peace. As for Oromos taking land from Somalis- That is falacious, because Oromos and Somalis are one big cushitic family and when we both our acquire our independence back we will form the federated Cushitic states of Africa. Of couse we will not forget our sisters children, the Habashas who, when they migrated from the Arabian penisula, we gave assylum and married to our daughters. Athough our grandchildren had given us enough headaches still they are from us and will not be as bad as them wayward children. We will given them their freedom as long as they forgo their mania for hegemony.
Todobay talo ka dhalataa ee ha ka hordhicin.
laamalooshe
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written by cabdullaahi Dheere, April 11, 2011
@ Bundid
First of all we have no enemies. not in Ethiopia or anywhere else for that matter, we have siblings and neighbours. Oromos and Ogaden are both members of the noble Cushitic society. Amhara will remain to be our neighbour and we love them but remember, what they call Ethiopia is just a fake country that we do not recognise. The last country we recognised was the Cushitic kingdom and if we cannot get it back we will at least get Ogadenia.
@F .G
Ogaden is a land remembers even if you exterminate the people the land remains to be Ogaden.
One thing should be made clear: Ethiopia is not this land that you call Ethiopia out of ignorance. Ethiopia is a small region in Sudan. If you love Ethiopia then you can move to that region in Sudan.
This land will remain to be a Cushitic Land. No more fake Ethiopia.
First of all we have no enemies. not in Ethiopia or anywhere else for that matter, we have siblings and neighbours. Oromos and Ogaden are both members of the noble Cushitic society. Amhara will remain to be our neighbour and we love them but remember, what they call Ethiopia is just a fake country that we do not recognise. The last country we recognised was the Cushitic kingdom and if we cannot get it back we will at least get Ogadenia.
@F .G
Ogaden is a land remembers even if you exterminate the people the land remains to be Ogaden.
One thing should be made clear: Ethiopia is not this land that you call Ethiopia out of ignorance. Ethiopia is a small region in Sudan. If you love Ethiopia then you can move to that region in Sudan.
This land will remain to be a Cushitic Land. No more fake Ethiopia.
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written by Liban, April 11, 2011
Ethiopia is a colonial product and the Ogadenis who are SOMALI not Ethiopian, will never be Ethiopian there is no such thing as Somali being Ethiopian. The land is the land of Somali and not the land of Ethiopians, it was never part of Ethiopia and never will be. What if Sudan just came and annexed half your country, would you deny those people who have been annexed that have the same ethnicity as you? This is a colony, Ethiopia is the last colony of East Africa and needs to be disintegrated or atleast give back Somali region to Somalis and Somalia and Oromo regions to Oromos.
Why should Somalis go back to Somalia when they're home is in the Ogaden and the Ogaden is Somal lands? theres no need for us to move to Somalia, what we need is independence from Ethiopia that has colonized our region for 100 years now.
Why should Somalis go back to Somalia when they're home is in the Ogaden and the Ogaden is Somal lands? theres no need for us to move to Somalia, what we need is independence from Ethiopia that has colonized our region for 100 years now.
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written by Liban, April 11, 2011
Why are you referring Somalis as Ethiopians? They are not Somalis and since this is Ogaden.com you should know that. We Ogadeni Somalis strive for independence, not to join Ethiopia. If there is a country that we should join than it is either Somalia or Djibouti we're our brothers reside. We want to be governed by ourselves (Somalis) not by some mixed and brainwashed people of Ethiopia. This revolution will hopefully bring civil war to Ethiopia and a chance for Somalis to regain their land of Ogaden!
And for the last time we are not Ethiopians! NO!
And for the last time we are not Ethiopians! NO!
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written by maxamed xassan, April 11, 2011
abidkeen, abidkeen,
Ka-awoowayaasheen,
Maanoqon itoobiya.
Annagiyo amxaarana
arrin kuma hesheen.
Manihin oo manihin,
aminkaynu joognana maanihin.
Waxaan ku addimaynaa oon adduunyada baraynaa,
Addoonsigu intuu Arligaynu leenahay ka idlaanayuu
Ololaha dagaalkuna sii Olosnaanayaa.
Ka-awoowayaasheen,
Maanoqon itoobiya.
Annagiyo amxaarana
arrin kuma hesheen.
Manihin oo manihin,
aminkaynu joognana maanihin.
Waxaan ku addimaynaa oon adduunyada baraynaa,
Addoonsigu intuu Arligaynu leenahay ka idlaanayuu
Ololaha dagaalkuna sii Olosnaanayaa.
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written by Oromo, April 11, 2011
Same mantra...Ras algawerash, Hailesilassie then Hailemariam said "we want the land not the eritrean people". And both the land and people are lost. Isn't the Ogaden history the same?
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written by Suxufi, April 12, 2011
I think most of the commentators have missed the point of the reports from the protests. If a man who had a Somali diplomatic passport and who grew up in Mogadishu could claim to be an Ethiopian and oppress our people as a result, what prevents me from using the same card to fight him under the Ethiopian umbrella!
If calling myself Ethiopian to be the leader of the Ethiopian opposition, both armed and unarmed, to the Woyane domination and oppression so be it. I am proud to be an Ogaden Somali who happens to want to lead all Ethiopian opposition to remove the oppression and to implement article 39 of the very constitution that the Woyane wrote without ever intending to implement it.
It is up to my people to decide what they want to do, but it is up to us, those who are in the struggle, to use every vehicle at our disposal to get to our destination: Free people who decide their own destiny be they remain part of Ethiopia or stand independently. The one thing that the Woyane have succeeded, and I believe is what is holding us back, is to make us dwell on the past and argue about the small matters that divide us all those who oppose Woyane domination. We have a lot more in common and we have a common objective of getting rid off Woyane tyranny.
We already have a memorandum of understanding with all opposition parties, both armed or unarmed, that spells that every community - Ogaden Somalis, Oromos, Amhara, Gambella, etc, have a right to decide its own destiny freely. So I salute the Ogaden Online reporter who wrote this well written report. I can only imagine how painful it would have been for Meles to see Amharas, Oromos and Ogaden Somalis standing site by side and chanting in unison 'Xaar Wayaano.' Cherish the memory and pictures from the Toronto protests I say. Build on this unity to humiliate the Woyane in the upcoming May 20th protests throughout the world.
If calling myself Ethiopian to be the leader of the Ethiopian opposition, both armed and unarmed, to the Woyane domination and oppression so be it. I am proud to be an Ogaden Somali who happens to want to lead all Ethiopian opposition to remove the oppression and to implement article 39 of the very constitution that the Woyane wrote without ever intending to implement it.
It is up to my people to decide what they want to do, but it is up to us, those who are in the struggle, to use every vehicle at our disposal to get to our destination: Free people who decide their own destiny be they remain part of Ethiopia or stand independently. The one thing that the Woyane have succeeded, and I believe is what is holding us back, is to make us dwell on the past and argue about the small matters that divide us all those who oppose Woyane domination. We have a lot more in common and we have a common objective of getting rid off Woyane tyranny.
We already have a memorandum of understanding with all opposition parties, both armed or unarmed, that spells that every community - Ogaden Somalis, Oromos, Amhara, Gambella, etc, have a right to decide its own destiny freely. So I salute the Ogaden Online reporter who wrote this well written report. I can only imagine how painful it would have been for Meles to see Amharas, Oromos and Ogaden Somalis standing site by side and chanting in unison 'Xaar Wayaano.' Cherish the memory and pictures from the Toronto protests I say. Build on this unity to humiliate the Woyane in the upcoming May 20th protests throughout the world.
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written by Hardcore, April 13, 2011
I will never ever forgive or forget what the Amhara did to our people during their long time rule.And as an Ogaden Somali I will consider myselv as an Ethiopian when The Greater Cushitic Nation regain their God granted independence from the despicple Abessinia(woyanas+Amharas).
The Ethiopian name belongs to The Noble Cushitic People wich relates us to Old Egypt .
The Ethiopian name belongs to The Noble Cushitic People wich relates us to Old Egypt .
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written by Ahmed, April 17, 2011
I echo Suxufi's pragmatism and political maturity.
All those who oppose the psychopath terrorist Meles Zenawi and his TPLF gangsters should join both in deeds and declarations so that Meles and his ruthless TPLF primative mafia can have many sleepless nights and would eventually hasten their downfall.
Once Meles and his minority tribe is ousted from the seat of power then a new day will dawn to every one and each ethnic group will, for the first time, have a real opportunity to exercise a genuine self determination for itself. Not a bogus one like the one in Meles' worthless constitution or the ones practised through the barrel of the gun.
Although opposition groups have understandable differences, it is vital for all to work together against TPLF and at least temporarily set aside their differences that Meles has been exploiting since he took the power in 1991 for another day.
All those who oppose the psychopath terrorist Meles Zenawi and his TPLF gangsters should join both in deeds and declarations so that Meles and his ruthless TPLF primative mafia can have many sleepless nights and would eventually hasten their downfall.
Once Meles and his minority tribe is ousted from the seat of power then a new day will dawn to every one and each ethnic group will, for the first time, have a real opportunity to exercise a genuine self determination for itself. Not a bogus one like the one in Meles' worthless constitution or the ones practised through the barrel of the gun.
Although opposition groups have understandable differences, it is vital for all to work together against TPLF and at least temporarily set aside their differences that Meles has been exploiting since he took the power in 1991 for another day.
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written by Omos, April 17, 2011
For over a century now the successive Ethiopian rulers have been trying to Ethiopianize the Ogaden Somalis but did not realize their dream because Ogaden Somalis refused and resisted to be part of what they do not belong to. Therefore, whatever is written by some or lone comment by the likes of F g (2nd post) will not change an iota.
In fact, there are more of so called Ethiopians who want to leave and live outsdie of "Ethiopia" than inside it which makes imperative to work together so that we can all achieve what we are yearning for. After all, the ones who want to keep Ethiopia together are a minority as compared to those who were oppressed and occupied in the name of Ethiopia. It is an irony though that the majority are against the gatekeeper of Ethiopia and yet fail to unite against their common enemy.
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Write comment
I read the above article with interest. I must say the quality and style of writing is superior to that you usually get in the Somali-speaking media.
I however got confused why the good reporter of this article who seems to be one of ours so fondly reporting about the unity among the Ethiopian protesters made up of Amhara, Oromo and Somalis? Are the Amhara's not the group that has forcefully annexed our country into Ethiopia? Are they not the ones who want to expropriate our land and even that of greater Somalia into Ethiopia? Since when have we accepted being Ethiopian? What happened to the dream of Ogadenia?
Perhaps to some it makes no difference but to the many men and women who lost their lives in the struggle to establish a free, standing alone and independent Ogaden will feel betrayed!
What about the Oromos? Are they not the one group in Ethiopia, in the current dispensation, that have already taken a big junk of Somali land? The one group that still intends to take more of our land? God help us here but I am worried.
We shall overcome the oppression and colonialism of the Tigre Regime! The minority colonialist will be defeated. But it serves no purpose that we go into bed with worse enemies. I hope you will help me understand the dynamics of the article.
Waxaan ahay mid ka mid ah kuwa qurbaha ku nacasoobay ee hadalka uun haya. Damiirkaygase kama madhna mar qudha in halgankeennu xaq yahay, guushuna ay dhawdahay. Ha la ii dulqaato haddaan wax halleeyay.
Xaq u dirirku guul,
Dalmar Yare