The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF): Why So Successful?

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF): Why So Successful?
Author:	Smith, Gayle
Year:	1983
Periodical:	Horn of Africa
Volume:	6
Issue:	4
Pages:	53-60
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ethiopia
Subjects:	separatism rebellions Tigray People's Liberation Front nationalism
Abstract:	On the basis of oral histories documented during field visits (1982-83), the author explores what factors have combined to allow the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF), and with it, Tigray's civilians, to not only withstand the military might wielded by Addis Ababa, but to expand and consolidate a national movement active in almost 90% of the territory. Among the reasons are the objective conditions of the area, the ability of the TPLF to reflect the will of Tigray's people, the failure of the Ethiopian government to provide for self-determination and the combined analyses of class and national contradictions that have allowed the TPLF to take root. Its growth is the result of the movement's ability to effect structural change by fostering democratic participation in the affairs of the territory. Notes.