Both Ethiopia and Eritrea supported different rebel groups in the region in a proxy war, and occasionally engaged in border skirmishes with each other, as well as with opposing rebel groups.

The three groups were united under the goal of creating an independent state in the Afar Region.

The group operates within Ethiopia, allegedly receiving Eritrean support.

In 1995, ARDUF perpetrated its first attack, kidnapping an Italian tourist.

[4][5] The Red Sea Afar Democratic Organisation (RSADO) was founded in 1999.