Ethiopian People's Patriotic Front
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The Ethiopian People's Patriotic Front (EPPF) is a rebel group in Ethiopia, believed to be operating primarily in the northern Semien (North) Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region and parts of the Gambela Region. On 22 May 2006, at a meeting in Utrecht the EPPF joined the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, the Ogaden National Liberation Front, the Oromo Liberation Front, the Sidama Liberation Front and the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces to form a coalition called the Alliance for Freedom and Democracy.
Because it was supported by the government of neighboring Eritrea for many years,[1] the EPPF had little popular support inside Ethiopia. Despite this, following the government repression over the 2005 Ethiopian elections popular support for the EPPF has grown. Recently the EPPF has claimed to have defeated Ethiopian army units in Semien Gondar in battles during March and April 2006. Although the Walta Information Center, reported that the government was in clear control of communities in the Semien Gondar Zone such as the Lay Armachiho woreda,[2] the Ethiopian Review website printed an eyewitness report from Belessa woreda that the EPPF has set up check points at various points of the highway and are confiscating vehicles and properties that belong to the government.[3]
In June 2006, the EPPF clashed again with government forces in the Amhara Region. The Ethiopian government reported that it killed 111 and captured 86 EPPF fighters,[4][5] while the EPPF responded that it had defeated government troops in Qwara on 7 June, and near Delelo in Lay Armachiho five days later.
[edit] Notes
- ^ "Asmara Manipulates Opposition" (Dehai News)
- ^ "Bandits captured, killed in Armacheho woreda" (WIC)
- ^ Ethiopian Review article
- ^ "Ethiopia kills 111 rebels - report" (Independent Online, South Africa)
- ^ "Ethiopian army kills 111 insurgents - official" (Sudan Tribune)
