"We are protesting because the sanctions were never based on substantiated allegations," said Sofia Tesfamariam, an organizer of the Monday demonstrations. "We haven't seen the evidence. They are unable to bring in the proof. On the contrary, there is ample proof that the Ethiopian government and the U.S are arming the Somalis."
Some Ethiopians and Somalis also participated to "condemn the Ethiopian government for committing genocide in Ethiopia including in Ogaden region.” Tewelde Weldeghebriel reported the event where Eritreans handed over to State Department officials a petition they said contained 107,000 signatures.