Efforts made to unite ELF and EPLF forces

The People’s Liberation Front declared its readiness to continue dialogue for the unification of the fronts, and elected a new group of elders that would lead the dialogue between the two forces.  In the contrary, ELF didn’t like the idea of a dialogue and began to pressure EPLF to accept the Khartoum agreement. The front even went on to maneuver ploys to gain the support of the general public that was eager to see unity. As a result, in 1976 ELF begun campaign in the name of unity and pushed the public to elect representatives that would work for the unification of the fronts. A committee was established, and started to have meetings with both fronts. Meanwhile, the committee of elders of EPLF approached the public committee and explained the stance of the front on the issue of unity. The EPLF committee further explained the desires and readiness of the front for unity, but also highlighted that the unity need guarantee. It further highlighted the separation of Osman Saleh Sabe to establish a third front would create huge hindrance towards the unification process. Realizing the reality, the public committee for unity requested the establishment of similar committee from ELF and stand along with the stance of EPLF in the unification process. These outcome shocked the leadership of ELF who decided to dismantle the public committee, these latter deeds of the front enabled many fighters realize the hidden desire of the front and encouraged them join the EPLF.

In 1977, when the struggle for liberation of Eritrea was registering major victories, numerous countries supporting the struggle begun to pressure the fronts to unite, and in October 20, 1977 ELF accepted the proposals of those countries and agreed to meet in Khartoum for dialogue towards unity.  Both fronts agreed on the establishment of a common higher leadership, for launching united operations against common enemy forces, and for establishment of committee of elders from both fronts that would work under the governance of the higher common leadership. And both fronts rejected the third new front formed by Osman Saleh Sabe and allow the front to decide to join either of the former fronts.

This agreement gained huge support from both the public and the countries that support the struggle for liberation. Despite the agreement reached between the two fronts, the implementation of the agreement delayed till middle of 1978.