UWS students weigh in on situation in Egypt

Students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior are circulating petitions calling for a peaceful political resolution in Egypt.

Having fled violence in the western African nation of the Ivory Coast, Binta Sidibe knows what it’s like to feel isolated amid civil war.

“My school was bombed and it destroyed my school, so I was forced to come to the United States.”

So Sidibe is one of about 20 students at UWS’ Amnesty International chapter that is getting signatures urging the Egyptian government to not harm demonstrators.

Violeta Chocarra Garcia says “I don’t want people to think ‘Oh yeah petition, it’s not going to go anywhere’. Every little signature is going to have a big impact on the situation.”

“That’s true.” She says even though she has strong opinions about the revolution in Egypt, she’s keeping those ideals to herself.

“Amnesty International defends and respects human rights, not so much taking sides from political situations per se, but in human rights. Some people cannot speak for themselves so it’s good to put out a voice for them.”

Garcia says it’s easier to get foreign students involved in Amnesty International.

Chapter Vice President Lyle Koesterman agrees but he says students from the Upper Midwest are inspired by what’s happening in Tunisia and Egypt.

“Hope is definitely a huge part of it, but also it’s reaching a speedier end with fewer lost of lives and fewer injuries.”

Koesterman says just making fellow students aware that they can make a difference is part of the fight for justice.

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