Is Ethiopia on the brink of civil war? | UpFront

Last year, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Now, he is waging war on his country’s northern region of Tigray.

The conflict between Abiy’s government and Tigray’s leaders, The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has reportedly left hundreds dead and forced tens of thousands to flee across the border into Sudan.

In this UpFront special we hear from both sides of the conflict, ask them how we got to this point and whether the Ethiopian people are caught in an elite power struggle.

00:00 Intro
00:29 Fesseha Tessema - TPLF
12:39 Zadig Abraha - Ethiopian minister in charge of democratisation

[simplehouse]

We need to stop all wars and have peaceful lives. We are all Ethiopians. Tigrai people are Ethiopians. I’m from Hadiya zone and wish everyone love.

[antisnob]

Omg can we give a raise to this journalist? I loved every question she asked, reasonable and concise! Thank you!

[marutsega]

I appreciate the journalist for the unbiased questions.

[shdaentertainment]

I appreciate the journalist she is great.

[mosobadehabeshafilmschanne]

I like your questions and the way you are listening, he is changing the direction of the questions

[Exploratorium]

The anchor lady ...the Reporter is unbelievable professional and well educated interviewer. Wow ! I'm impressed and much respect for her professionalism ! Siter ! You rock lady 👍

[lopsideduser-lzbgocr]

Even though war is not an honourable engagement the tplf truly deserves what is coming to it!

The people of Tigray brave standing for thier self determination, this war is between evil dictators and peaceful democratic peoples of Tigray. Zadik, The only single mercenary is lying.

[lidyanaredeemed]

While he is enjoying himself in New York, 32 thousand of young, old innocents Tigria people are suffering in Sudan 😔.

[selamleethiopia]

Wow Zadik so proud of you the way you answer and Your Discipline . So proud of you

[nine_digit]

Abiy is the king and the leader of Ethiopia, we will support him to defend our country from the TPLF junta

[amanueltesfaye]

0:52 Are you serious? they have publicly taken responsibility for the attacks. Either you didn't do your research or you are purposefully misleading your viewers

[tarikuteshale]

Well appreciated @ Journalist, Be genuine and proud of your job!

[letebirhanatsbeha]

Thank you Al jeezera for bringing people to reflect their ideas about the situation right now. With your respect TPLF is not rebellion it is legal leader to Tigray government. 8 million Tigrean people elects TPLF.

[gbtbern]

great journalist! The man who represent the gov't was in total denial.

[fikeryidnekachew]

He will win the Nobel again !see how fast he completed the operation now he is doing the reconstruction off it

[tkhagos]

Zadig Abraha ain't answering no question and he's not eloquent.

[delgadojonesable]

Egypt backed by the west, America, France, uk, Germany and the arab union. Don't let them kill this visionary leader!!

[tomastsegaye]

Look, neither the federal government nor the tigray regional government has any moral high ground here. but having said that tplf is acting like they are some saints and portraying themselves as the victims of the conflicts. This is a very shameful act when in actuality they admitted to attacking the government forces that were stationed in their region. this somehow legitimizes the governments rule of law narrative but the government needs to be more impartial and transparent by opening up communications there so other independent organizations can verify claims that are coming out from the region. it makes u wonder if they are trying to cover up something there.

[fairuswful]

Every single country around the world. Cannot run from any conflict. That's it. They're need to find best way to solve any issues among them.