On the week of March 23-26, a delegation of Ogaden Voice for Peace members took an advocacy trip to Washington DC. This trip focused on meetings with Senior Administration officials, members of congress and other influential sources with regards to US Policy towards the Horn of Africa. It was an occasion to frankly exchange views and develop a collaborative relationship in order to address the some of the enormous challenges that are present in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia. While it’s important to keep sources and agenda items confidential, the trip was extremely successful. There was also a general agreement that continuation of the status quo poses not only a threat to peace and stability in the Ogaden but also to the entire Horn of Africa.
The meetings at Capitol Hill took place with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee including Senator Barbara Boxer whom the delegation provided briefings in the Dirksen Hearing Room. The delegation also met with Senior Policy advisors in the areas of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Aid and Defense Policy who are all developing their interagency priorities and
focus in the Horn of Africa.The delegation finally met with The United States State Department who are responsible in implementing the administration’s policy towards the Horn of Africa. The Ogaden Voice for Peace delegation met with the delegation that met with the Ethiopian leadership in early march in Addis Ababa. The delegation was led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State-Mr. Karl Wycoff. Some of the issues discussed including conflict resolution, humanitarian assistance and greater focus on development.
The delegation was also received by the State Department Bureau for refugees. The focus was highlighting the enormous challenges that refugees from the Ogaden region face when they flee for safety in nearby regions or countries. In two of the regions refugees are routinely detained, tortured and then handed to Ethiopian Intelligence Services to demonstrate their loyalty to the regime in Addis Ababa. Representatives from the State Department will be traveling to Horn of Africa in the next 3 month to assess the needs of these refugees in order to provide humanitarian assistance.
To learn more about The Ogaden Voice for Peace please visit http://www.ogadenvoice.org/
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written by Nuradin, March 31, 2010
I welcome this initiative. Let’s keep knocking every door, someone will eventually answer. Let's us also align our interests with theirs by making the needed adjustments. In that way we may convince them and hopefully win over their sympathies and backing like Kosovo.
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written by Naasir, March 31, 2010
Good job!
Ururkan runtii hawlo wayn buu halganka u hayaa, waan dhayalsan jiray waagii hore eeggase waxaan ogaaday inay yihiin Rag ka roonayaal, waan idiin duceeyey,
Naasir JWXO
Ururkan runtii hawlo wayn buu halganka u hayaa, waan dhayalsan jiray waagii hore eeggase waxaan ogaaday inay yihiin Rag ka roonayaal, waan idiin duceeyey,
Naasir JWXO
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written by Adam, March 31, 2010
Ogaden Voice for Peace has been doing a good job and continues to contribute positively to the overall struggle. As others who are doing their best to advocate and advance the just cause of Ogadenia their effort should be commended.
Our struggle has reached a phase where we no longer lack advocates and good people volunteering their meager but valuable resources to support it for we see entities like OVP sprout from different and distant geographical locations, what is rather needed at this stage is to coordinate and pull our endeavour together to make them more efficient and effective so as bear the desired result.
In addition to the mother organization of ONLF, it would be more beneficial for us to have two or three advocacy groups.
Our struggle has reached a phase where we no longer lack advocates and good people volunteering their meager but valuable resources to support it for we see entities like OVP sprout from different and distant geographical locations, what is rather needed at this stage is to coordinate and pull our endeavour together to make them more efficient and effective so as bear the desired result.
In addition to the mother organization of ONLF, it would be more beneficial for us to have two or three advocacy groups.
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written by Bashir, March 31, 2010
congratulations ogaden voice icant believe this we reaching in to washington DC thats shows me that ogadenia freedom its not far from us ,that is good news united stata of America is firs country who always support ogadenia freedom and also help ogadenia civilians again this is great job and please continuous this job to gether we will win and Ethiopia terrorist they will lose.
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written by Aziza, April 01, 2010
Mohamed Sheik,Hamza and Horsed are indeed my heros! we need more like them!
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written by jamhad, April 01, 2010
great job! this is the beginng. i can bleive were is ogaden people, we should of had more people to write.
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written by Hodan Ahmed, April 01, 2010
I really respect these gentlemen. dedicated,smart and goal-oriented! Viva OVP!
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written by Ms Finlan, April 01, 2010
These guys do the Real Deal every year! that is 'what am talkin abot y0
Ms Finlad
Ms Finlad
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written by Omar, April 01, 2010
We have arrived as people. The time has come for our people to seek their destiny and build a democratic, vibrant, economically booming Ogaden. Ogaden Voice is non-partisan and I love their approach. Keep up the good work gentlemen.
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written by Heebaan, April 02, 2010
Rag xiniinyo waa weyn dheh! meelahaad qaddiyaddan gaadhsiiseen taariikhdaa qoraysa,
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written by Makhtals, April 02, 2010
Slow and smooth wins the race. one thing i do admire about OVP is their upbeat nature and strategical tactics, i would very much appreciate if this year's annual conference could be held at Mn, i will be there in this summer!
Next time you go to the Capital, do make some videos of your trip,
Much Love,
Makhtals
Next time you go to the Capital, do make some videos of your trip,
Much Love,
Makhtals
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written by MOHAMED F, April 05, 2010
WAA ARIN AAD U FIICAN OO DHALINYARADA REER OGAADEN AU KU GUULEYSTEEN WAXAANA LEE
YAHAY KU YURUB KUNOOL INEY SIDOO KALE SAMEEYAAN OO AY ALBAAB KASTA GRAACAAN
WAXAA IDIN LEEYAHAY HALKAA KAWADA
MAHADSANIDIN
YAHAY KU YURUB KUNOOL INEY SIDOO KALE SAMEEYAAN OO AY ALBAAB KASTA GRAACAAN
WAXAA IDIN LEEYAHAY HALKAA KAWADA
MAHADSANIDIN
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written by Nura, April 06, 2010
I know Mohmed Sheik, who z the other guy? anyway great job fellas!
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written by Fahima cadey, April 06, 2010
He is Horsaed, very gud speaker. don't know the other white dude, he must be from white house something,
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