ethioguide.com

ETHIOPIANS TAKE TO THE STREETS
TO CELEBRATE OLYMPIC VICTORY

Shortly after Ethiopian athletes came in first and third in the marathon in Sydney,
a large crowd gathered spontaneously at Meskel Square around 10:30 AM

This group of young men was singing an Oromo victory song.
I took the picture from the stand above Meskel from where Mengistu
Haile Mariam used to give speeches.

Emotions were high, but the entire celebration was peaceful and orderly.

Displaying the usual Addis Ababa disregard for limb and body
young men hang from a truck.

Nearly every vehicle in town was flashing its lights
and honking its horn.

The Ethiopian flag was everywhere as young men intoxicated with victory
roamed the city singing songs of triumph.

One song went:

"Min Ale Haile,
Min Ale Haile,
Aser shi lesew Alsetim Ale!

Min Alech Derartu,
Min Alech Derartu,
Aser Shi lesew Alsetim Alech!"

Roughly translated:

What did Haile say
What did Derartu say
We're not going to surrender
the ten thousand to anyone!

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