March draws attention to Ethiopia's woes

March draws attention to Ethiopia's woes
Immigrants call on U.S. to help country

RANDY HASCALLrhascall@argusleader.com
Article Published: 11/9/05More than 60 Sioux Falls residents from Ethiopia marched along city streets Tuesday to draw attention to their troubled home country and urge South Dakota's congressional delegation to help get the United States involved."America has the power and the means to do something," said Tatek Weyesa, who used a loudspeaker to lead participants in chants. "That's what's so frustrating for us."Violence has erupted in Ethiopia over disputed May 15 elections that gave Prime Minister Zenawi Meles' party control of about two-thirds of parliament. Opposition parties say the elections were marred by fraud, intimidation and violence.
Ethiopian police shot and killed several dozen people in recent days of protests.The Sioux Falls protesters chanted their opposition to "innocent people being brutally killed" and called for Americans to help establish democracy in Ethiopia. They said Meles is a dictator and murderer and should immediately release imprisoned political activists.They carried signs in support of Ethiopia democracy and took their message to the local offices of U.S. Sens. Tim Johnson and John Thune and U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth."Killing is going on," said Ojulu Oballa, a spokesman for the group, which has held several marches in recent months. "We need action, not just saying we will do it."Oballa said the marchers want Meles removed from office. If that doesn't happen, they at least want him to release his prisoners and stop killing people. They don't want the U.S. government to provide any support to Meles."We're calling on Americans to be part of this, to help establish democracy," Weyesa said.He said the group hopes Sioux Falls residents will call their senators and representative to voice support.Weyesa said it's unfortunate that Ethiopia has a history of dictators using force to take power.The recent civilian deaths have been a political setback for Meles, who had been touted by the Bush administration as a progressive leader and partner in the war on terrorism.
Reach reporter Randy Hascall at 331-2320.