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Eritrea gained independence in 1993 after an internationally monitored referendum. The citizens of Eritrea voted overwhelmingly for independence from Ethiopia, following a 30-year war for independence led by the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF). Since their victory over Ethiopian armed forces in 1991, the EPLF has controlled the country, with its leader, Isaias Afwerki, serving as the President.
In 1987, the Eritrean guerrillas, the EPLF, became strong enough to move south into the highlands of Ethiopia, which marked the beginning of the end for Mengistu and the Dergue. The EPLF joined forces with another Marxist group fighting for regional independence, the Tigre People's Liberation Front (TPLF), in 1988. In 1990, they captured Massawa, a crucial step that cut off Ethiopia's link with the sea.