For 3 years, Lalisee Wadaajoo was imprisoned in Ethiopia due to her identity and her political views. On October 30, 2008, the Ethiopian security forces had confiscated their property and belongings without any court warrant.

Lalisee was released on 8 July 2011 and finally reunited with her family and friends in Melbourne on 8 August 2013 after more that 9 years separation. On 10 August 2013, a welcoming ceremony was held in commemoration of Dhaabasaa (her husband) and Lalisee’s wedding as the Ethiopian Militia had also confiscated their wedding video.