@esrzazi: ### The relationship between Shabiya (Sha'biya), TPLF, and Ethiopia I think you mean: How did Shabiya cooperate with the TPLF, and how did their relationship affect Ethiopia? First, let's understand the two organizations. * Shabiya (ሻዕቢያ): The common name for the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF), which fought for Eritrea's independence from Ethiopia. * TPLF: The Tigray People's Liberation Front, which began as an armed movement against the Derg military government in Ethiopia. Both organizations fought against the Derg regime, and at certain times they cooperated militarily. ### 1\. How their relationship developed * 1970s – Early cooperation Shabiya provided the TPLF with military training, weapons and support. The two movements had a common enemy: the Derg government led by Mengistu Haile Mariam. Cambridge University Press +1 * 1985 – Serious disagreements Their relationship deteriorated because of political and military disagreements. Cooperation was interrupted, and humanitarian assistance to Tigray was also affected. Every CRS Report +1 * 1988–1991 – Cooperation resumed They renewed their military cooperation and helped defeat the Derg government in 1991. The TPLF-led coalition took power in Ethiopia, while the EPLF took control in Eritrea. Cambridge University Press +1 * 1993 – Eritrean independence Eritrea became independent following a referendum. Ethiopia, then under the TPLF-dominated EPRDF government, accepted the outcome. Sage Journals +1 * 1998–2000 – Former allies became enemies Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a devastating border war. More than 70,000 people died according to Chatham House's account. Chatham House +1 ### 2\. Did Shabiya and TPLF work together against Ethiopia? Historically, yes. They cooperated against the Derg government. However, it is important to distinguish between fighting the Derg and fighting Ethiopia as a country. There is historical evidence of their cooperation, but that alone does not prove that Shabiya and TPLF had a common long-term plan to destroy Ethiopia. ### 3\. What happened more recently? During the 2020–2022 Tigray war, Eritrean forces fought alongside Ethiopian federal forces against the TPLF. Their relationship had changed dramatically again. Recent reporting also describes renewed tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia and allegations of changing alliances involving TPLF factions. Reuters ### 4\. My central question for understanding this history The important lesson is that political and military alliances can change when interests change. Would you like me to explain the following in more detail? * How Shabiya helped TPLF become a powerful military organization. * Whether TPLF had influence over Ethiopia's government from 1991 to 2018. * How the relationship between Isaias Afwerki and Meles Zenawi collapsed. * Whether Shabiya and TPLF are cooperating again today. I can explain these subjects in simple English with Amharic explanations alongside them.

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Friday 13 November 2026 19:21:40 GMT