Summarized by
Brad Budsberg
"Ethiopia: Rebels Destroy Food
Aid"
Africa Research Bulletin (Political Series)
V. 24, N. 10, November 15, 1987, p.
8673
Summary:
The basic argument
of this article is that the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF), is taking
actions in hopes of hurting of hurting the Ethiopian government. In the wake of the rebellion, EPLF
destroyed 23 food relief trucks, killed one driver, and 360 tons of food was set
ablaze.
Situation
Critical:
The UN and Addis
Ababa authorities have warned of a danger of mass starvation in the north of the
country next year following crop failures.
The destruction caused by the rebels halted the build up of supplies for
distribution to people in 1988.
Donor Agencies have estimated a shortage of 300
trucks.
Rebels:
The Eritrean People’s Liberation Front, a group who have been
fighting for autonomy for Eritrea for more than a quarter of a century, state
that they are not responsible for the mistaken identity of the food trucks. It was thought that these were the
Ethiopian government using camouflage to continue activities. The EPLF wants contact with the UN
emergency operation forces.
Extra:
Ms. Sophie, a French nurse, was released to the French embassy after being held by the Tigre People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) for over three weeks.