An Update on DNDA Partners Redwan Aman and Yusuf Beshir
We last wrote to you about the incarceration of DNDA partners Redwan Aman and his colleague Yusuf Beshir on July 16. Since then, we have learned that both men were located and visited by representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia. They were granted bail by the Ethiopian judicial system on June 28, currently staying with family in Ethiopia.
While these updates are flickers of good news, we have heard jarring things about their time in prison. They were subject to inhumane conditions and both experienced rapid declines in their health. While they are out on bail, they remain beholden to the Ethiopian legal system, and we worry they could be returned to the overcrowded prison where they experienced physical violence, and where COVID-19 is prevalent.
In solidarity with the Oromo Community of Seattle and Redwan and Yusuf’s loved ones, we ask you to—
- Contact U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell via phone, email, or letter and demand they secure Redwan and Yusuf’s repatriation to the U.S.
- If you are a resident of Washington’s 9th Congressional District, contact Rep. Adam Smith via phone, email, or letter to demand he work with U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell to fight for the safe return of Redwan and Yusuf
- Amplify the voices of local Oromo activist groups by following both Oromo Youth Association of Seattle and Team Oromia Seattle’s social media platforms on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Follow, like, share, and retweet: make your support heard online, too.
Oromo Youth Association of Seattle—Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
Team Oromia Seattle—Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
Thank you, and we will continue to keep you updated as news reaches us.
-Intale Shuba, DNDA Development Associate