The Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF)

The Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) is a political organization established in 1989 by member parties; Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and Ethiopian Peoples’ Democratic Movement (EPDM) currently known as the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM). Lately other parties joined the Party namely the Oromo People’s Democratic Organization (OPDP), and the Southern Ethiopia Peoples Democratic Movement (SEPDM), previously known as Southern Ethiopia Peoples Democratic Front (SEPDF). The aim of the party was to lead the national liberation struggle of the people against the fascist dictatorial Derg regime, and the fight against national oppression, exploitation that was imposed over the people of Ethiopia. The protracted struggle of EPRDF brought the total downfall of the dictatorial military junta or fascist Derg regime in May 1991. The event symbolizes the end of the age long oppression and exploitation, which was regarded as extension of previous regimes. The shackles of oppression were broken off. EPRDF is struggling for sustainability of ensured inalienable national and democratic rights of all nations, nationalities and peoples in the country. Human and democratic rights were given constitutional protection and their enforcement has already commenced. The right to self-determination and equality among Ethiopia’s nations, nationalities and peoples, enshrined in the Constitution, is also in force. To eradicate poverty and bring rapid and sustainable development, EPRDF formulated agricultural development led industrialization strategy. The strategy was fruitful in the last 18 years; double-digit economic growth had been registered for the past six-consecutive years. Tremendous achievements obtained in the industry and service sectors. The health and education, coverage reached 89.6% and 95.6% respectively. 3 EPRDF has aimed to continue as a key actor in building reliable peace, development and strong stability .Thus, it is the aspiration of the EPRDF to build new Ethiopia in concert with other partner parties where all nations and nationalities could live in harmony under democracy and equality.