By Elias Kifle
I have just returned from a 30-day field trip during which I visited and held meetings with leaders and fighters of the Ethiopian People’s Patriotic Front (EPPF), as well as the Tigray People Democratic Movement (TPDM), Benishangul People Liberation Movement (BPLM), Gambela People’s Democratic Movement Front (GPDMF), and Ethiopian People’s Front for Equality and Justice (EPFEJ — formerly known as Southern Ethiopian People’s Front for Equality and Justice). These five organizations are currently coordinating their activities after signing a cooperation agreement over a year ago. Their cooperation includes joint military missions against the Woyanne tribal junta.
I had also participated in a 2-day EPPF conference, from October 17-18, which was attended by members of the EPPF executive committee and central council, and representatives from the U.S., U.K., Germany and Denmark.
During the trip, I spent most of my time following EPPF activities and holding discussions with its leaders and members, both at the organization’s headquarters in Asmara and in the field.
I am not sure whether it is a coincidence, but while I was there visiting with EPPF fighters, the Woyanne-controlled TV aired a 4-day program about the elimination of EPPF “bandits” by “government” forces. (Derg also used to call Woyannes “bandits.”) A couple of days later I was a few hundred meters from the Tigray border with a unit of EPPF fighters taking photos and recording video. I told the fighters, who had recently returned from a military mission, what the Woyanne media was saying about them. The unit leader smiled and told me “here is the proof,” pointing to his comrades.
Such claims by Woyanne do not surprise the battle-hardned EPPF fighters. They are used to the Bereket Simon lie factory. But one thing is clear — Woyanne is increasingly concerned about EPPF. Otherwise, why air a 4-day TV program on an organization that it claims doesn’t exist? The answer is clear.
It is not only Woyanne that is questioning EPPF’s role as a viable opposition group. It is joined by others with different motives who are desperately arguing that EPPF should not be taken seriously. There is even a web site that is dedicated to telling people that EPPF doesn’t exist. As an eye witness, what I have seen is to the contrary. EPPF is becoming a leading Ethiopian opposition group that is poised to fill the current leadership gap in Ethiopian opposition camp.
Having said that, the organization is not without its own share of problems and difficulties. Its political wing is terribly ineffective and for a long time its public relations effort has been weak. With the recent launching of its own radio program — YeArbegna Dimts — and a web site, eppfonline.org, EPPF is attempting to improve its shortcomings as far as PR is concerned.
In the political sphere, a recent attempt by the leadership to restructure its political wing has failed due to the selection of an incompetent individual who was appointed as head of political affairs. That person has now been replaced and a new political affairs office is being considered.
EPPF’s activities in the Diaspora has also been facing recurring problems. The EPPF International Committee has been disbanded for the second time after it was concluded at the October conference that the group was doing more harm than good. The conference decided that there will no longer be an “international committee” that is tasked with coordinating the Diaspora activities. From now on, each chapter in the Diaspora will report directly to EPPF’s main office. The October conference unanimously passed a resolution to this effect.
Additionally, the conference has authorized local chapters to engage in diplomatic and political activities on behalf of EPPF. Representatives in Europe and the U.S. can now contact government officials and explain to them the mission and objectives of EPPF, particularly its clear stand on international terrorism, which is one of the main concerns of the U.S. and EU governments when it comes to political activities in Ethiopia, and the Horn of Africa, in general. EPPF has made it clear in its political program that it is waging a struggle to defend the people of Ethiopia from Woyanne regime’s brutal repression. EPPF strives to maintain good relations with all governments around the world, including those in the Horn of Africa.
With all the difficulties it is facing, EPPF’s track record as an opposition force shines better than any other Ethiopian opposition group. During the past 10 years of its tumultuous existence, EPPF has been able to survive many dangers that could have splintered the organization into several small factions. Unlike many other Ethiopian opposition parties, EPPF is forging ahead as a united resistance group. With some minor adjustments and restructuring, EPPF has the potential to transform itself in to a leading opposition force that can help bring about positive change in Ethiopia.
Before I returned to the U.S., my colleague Sileshi Tilahun and I had the opportunity to meet with President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea. It is our second meeting with him. The first one was in May 2009 for an interview. I have also held discussions with the Minister of Information Ali Abdu and other officials. I will post a report shortly about the meeting with Prsident Isaias, in which he shared with us his views about cooperations between Ethiopian opposition groups and Eritrea, and his vision on normalizing Ethiopia-Eritrea relations.
21 thoughts on “EPPF strives to fill the leadership gap”
Elias,
Your observation about the front is correct. I trust EPPF more than any group on leading the Ethiopian people to victory. It is true, EPPF international committees had problems and Chapters reporting directly to the head office is good idea but they still need some sort of coordination – say state/country wide.
Can’t wait to see the full report
Thank you
My friend Elias,
occasionally i bumped to your site due to a google news lead, and quietly observe what you attempt to communicate who ever is listening. while i admire your strength to voice your view regarding the political environment of Ethiopia, I am so dishearten with your repeated engagement with the PM Afewerki, and your utmost admiration for him. ( I recall you once called him the man of the millennium – for whatever obscure reason).
As an advocate for freedom of speech, i would have no problem you expressing your view. but, when I see you fail to do your homework to have an honest assessment of Afewerki’s ruthless and cruel governance, bowing at his shadow – is at best naive or gullible. you are a well read person ( at least I assume so), therefore it is really better to do some reality check on what Isias is doing to create unstablity in that region ( not to forget the terrorist activity and plot he is preaching in that region).
Believe you me, “Yetelate telat wodaje new!” is an old rehetoric and will not have a feasible place in the 21st century.
just my 2 cents.
Did I read you say EPPF is a viable opposition? In what sense is it given the name opposition? Does that mean it is mandatory to wage an armed struggle to be an opposition (is it a party yet?)in Ethiopia? If a group has resorted to fight, it’s no more the kind of opposition we know. It is a disagree-to-agree and agree-to-fight kind of front that has decided to face the regime that has allegedly reached an “enemy standard”. One doesn’t only oppose an enemy but also fight it. So, a better term would be: The enemy of my enemy may be an enemy in disguise but I can’t afford to be concerned about it right now. Well the pattern has been realizing the magnitude of the concern when it shows up in multiple fold after it is too late.
Brother Elias,
Congratulations on your trip.
Thank you for pointing out the importance of a strategic alliance between the Ethiopian opposition and the Eritrean government.
Woyane can only be dismantled by force. Eritrea is the only strategic rear guard Ethiopian fighters have.
What worked for Tigre should work for the rest of Ethiopia. Meles would not have come to power if he did not get Eritrean support. That’s why Woyane cannot easily dismiss this alliance.
The road to the destruction of Woyane definitely goes through Asmara. Those who think otherwise need to think again.
A new Ethiopia will be built on the ashes of Woyane.
Dear Mr/Ms Observer,
Regardless of your opinion of Eritrea’s president, at least Elias Kifle has had the prudence to personally travel to Eritrea (more than once), discuss with “PM Afewerki” (he is a president, not a “PM”) and EPRDF opposition movement figures, and witness first-hand the facts on the ground. Have you?
According to your comment, Mr Kifle is not as enlightened as you are when it comes to our region’s politics. Perhaps you could suggest to him – and to the rest of us – the sources of your seemingly infinite wisdom.
If your idea of doing “your homework” is ingesting and buying into all the currently fashionable propaganda, I’d suggest you look at the mirror and see who is “at best naive or gullible”.
Your comment demonstrates that nothing is more disheartening (to borrow your own term) than this degree of ignorance.
Just MY two cents.
Good job on taking your time to visit the freedom fighters and communicate back to your website readers. I believe the Diaspora is not doing enough to help EPPF. Many of us are willing to help financially but no one is leading this effort at least in Chicago area. I know we can individually donate via their website but if it is organized there will be a big potential to mobilize the Diaspora.
It is a common knowledge that there is no perfection at all in all walks of life. However, the good thing is that human being has the ability to learn from past mistakes and draw a clear strategy to achieve a common goal, that is just and equal allocation of resources to all ordinary people. I believe in united and strong Ethiopia, unlike the woyane junta hidden agenda of ‘divide rule’. Right from the very beginning, the primitive suffered from inferiority complications, and is now taking revenge by waging divisions to prolong its ill conceived immature political agendas. All Ethiopian opposition groups need to organize and unite themselves to save Ethiopia. It doesn’t help blaming others. The solution is in your hand. Unity is strength. Be united and change the image of Ethiopia (from hunger to prosperity), and open a new chapter. May God help you.
This is what we expect from ethiopianreview and elias. The future of our country and the demise of Woyane. Rumors are not for EthiopiaReview. Please do not give our esteemed site to propagate rumors (for example the report on Memher Zebene).
Elias,
OMG, I know believe that you are some one who could put his words into practice. You are my hero! I hope the majority of the diaspora will realize the true nature of TPLF and cooperate with EPPF and other armed groups to eradicate this junta once and for all.
You are really becoming a true messenger for this cause. Keep it up. I can not wait to read your next post on this issue.
“Nothing is given to man on earth – struggle is built into the nature of life, and conflict is possible – the hero is the man who lets no obstacle prevent him from pursuing the values he has chosen.”
Elias
With your determination and diligence you could have been any where u wanted to be, a doctor, a prime minister or president etc… Unfortunately you messed it up big time. You know you screwed up and you dont want to go back and correct. May be you need to see a doctor. You are dealing with a man (Issayas) who has killed our country. We dont have a country anymore because of this man. You must have lost your brain completely.
Yes, EPPF is the only viable hope we have to overthrow woyane. I hope EPPF organizes well and get the support from the diaspora in order to depose these punks.
Elias is doing a great job! By the way, I am no body to blame critique anyone since I have not do anything yet. However, Elias took the initiative for the fact finding and he went extra mile to prove it – that is wonderful.
EPRDF has given a green light to everyone years a go by saying “our way or no way.” In other words, “mengedun cherk yarglachihu.” And the response from EPPF is to go out and fight the way EPRDF did it. Please note that since EPRDF came into power in arms way, it can only leave by arms struggle. If any one went to Addis recently, you cannot even talk in a party of four people in a bar. They will follow you and God knows what happens if you are talking against the ruling party. Why is it so much inconfidence by EPRDF? We are in the 21st century, look Kenya. Why don’t they learn from others? They cannot rule forever. I am not against the people; I am against their bad, undemocratic, dictatorial governance. Let me say this, if Meles changes course and be democratic, allows anyone to freely speak (write), participate in opposition, free justice system, free electoral, I would vote for him. Because, we need a democratic institution and governance not change of faces.
I hope EPPF goes further to make Meles bend forward to negotiate in democratic terms. EPRDF is dividing us in the country and we cannot unite against it and the best way is arms struggle to force the ruling party to abandon its arrogance, cruelty, dictatorship, and one-man, one-party rule for ever.
Many thanks to Elias and best of luck to EPPF!
Deje,
At this time a good relationship with Eritrea is a very important way for us. we have to trust Isaias.
Dear Elias,
I always admire your courage and determination to wipe the Weyanes off the map at any cost for what ever motives you have. For that to happen I agree Mr Afewerki is your best bet. Not only in the case of Weyane but just pick any country in the region and this evil is the man of any disgruntled elements who want to do his dirty job. No wonder you described him the best man of the year. But remember, I am not here to say what Ethiopians should and shouldn’t do. They have the right to insurrection against their government but rather not to put all their eggs in one basket. It does more harm than good. I am an Eritrean and today our people is subjected to unimaginable and immeasurable kind of atrocities committed by the very evil group that you happened to adore. We paid a river of blood and sweat for democracy, human rights, justice and the rule of law. But none of these prevail in our motherland today. Instead, imprisonment without the due process of the law, summery execution and worse disappearance of individuals without a trace are the order of the day. Dear Elias, you always say that you fight for democracy and I will take that at its face value but its ironic that you prefer to work with this evil. Today Eritreans are desperately looking for a leader that can lead a journey towards freedom and that’s why we cross the border to Ethiopia in hundreds to organize and launch an attack on the evils. ‘FREEDOM’ is just a click away and Eritrea will not be a ground zero for rebel groups. So its advisable that you give a hard look into what you are preaching for.
Ato Kifle,
Good Luck to you,
mengedu cherke yadergeleh
EPRDF HAS STRONG MILITARY FORCE, YOU CAN’T WIN HIM BY FORCE.
YOU CAN WIN HIM BY PEOPLE VOTE
TRUST ME.
Elias you are doing a great job I am proud of you tell them the truth to the people who do not have any idea about the eppf
Did you ever try to get in touch with OLF?
If you did could please post us their succes and short comings. And their willingnes to form united front with any opposition forces.
Thanks
Good Job Elias!
I believe the only solotion to Ethiopia is get rid woyane–>which will require cooperation with Eritrea. The “Observar” was preaching about human rights and democracy blah blah, what did the great powers and leaders of democracy did when woyane shot 200 protestors in the middle of Addis? Nothing, Human rights is a tool to demonize examplery leaders. I know this Eritreans who are going out the country are purly doing is for economic reasons as most of the other immigrants. Observer said “Human rights” I hope he/she was joking. When human rights is extingushed in Ethiopia, when people are imprisoned everyday, interrogated and brutally killed, what did you do Mr./Ms. observer and the so advocate of of human rights, probably nothing, or may be you when to your restroom and said “Uhhhh these woyane may God send them to the cliff”. Dont try to compare what with what Elias is doing.
I also 99% if not 100% gurantee the readers that people like selamawi are not Eritreans, they are here to disrupt the readers by looking as Ethiopian sympathizers and Isaias haters. Because If they hate Isais or care about the Eritrean people they wouldnt have fled and lied in the court to get asylum. I have met most of them and they are just army deserters.
AB
Good work….!!! Elias….!!!
Berta…Eppf and other freedom fighters are the only one who can deal Woyanes language. The rest Kinijet,.. selamawi tigel… bla.. bla… is only crap ,
Thank you Elias again
we need more ppl like you and Sileshi Tilahune
I applaud the courage and principled stand of Mr. Elias Kifle, Ethiopians in the diaspora should join Elias in his endeavour to free Ethiopia from the tribal Woyanne regime, this regime of hatred is hell bent on destroying Ethiopia, if they stay in power they will do nothing except bleed the people dry and get rich as a result, to do that they need an ethnically divided country and people they can easily control and manipulate, if that doesn’t happen they want to plunge Ethiopia into endless ethnic conflicts and divide it along those lines.
Any Ethiopian in the diaspora who cares should get involved in surgically removing the Woyanne cancer before it is too late, anyone who thinks participating in Woyanne’s “elections” is either very naive or very sinister who is looking for personal gain out of the upcoming “election” charade in May. This is the time to join people like Mr. Elias and do your duty to rescue Ethiopia from its worst nightmare. Just a little brotherly advice to my Ethipian brothers and sisters in the diaspora.