Invisible Children protests 25 years of children in African war with 25-hour silence, march

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Silence spoke louder than words this week for the Invisible Children registered student organization.

Starting at 7 p.m. on Sunday, student members began their 25-hour excursion without speaking. The event was intended to symbolize the 25 years Ugandan rebel Joseph Kony has taken away the voice of abducted children he has forced into his Lord’s Resistance Army, according to a prepared statement from the group.

Since they were not able to make a sound, protesters texted or wrote responses to questions. Romulus sophomore Lindsey Fendt said not being able to talk was difficult.

“It’s easier to avoid people than try to explain what I need,” she wrote. “I’ve been getting stressed when people don’t get what I’m trying to say.”

The silence, however, confused some.

“They were talking about sexual assault, I think?” said Detroit freshman Shawntene’ Johnson, who had seen signs in the Towers, but was unclear as to the meaning.

She said she had never heard of Invisible Children.

“It would be helpful if one person could talk to explain why they were silent,” Johnson said.

The RSO said its silence was part of a national protest aimed at raising awareness for the situation in East Africa.

“Supporters and advocates of Invisible Children are staying silent for 25 hours … in recognition of the 25 years of war that have been going on in East Africa,” a statement said. “This war is the longest-running war in African history, and has often been referred to as the biggest humanitarian crisis in existence today.”

From 12:15 to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, 11 members of Invisible Children marched around campus with duct tape sealing their lips. The protesters carried signs, wore special T-shirts and passed out small cards which read, “I am being silent for 25 hours to end 25 years of war.”

Harrison senior Nathan Heath said he got the message. In the past, he has donated to the cause and said this silent type of protest is powerful.

“At first you might see them and not know what they’re doing, but if you take the time to read up on it, it’s a very worthy cause,” he said. “Most people don’t even realize this stuff is going on.”