Does Ethiopia’s PM want a peaceful end to the Tigray war?

Ethiopia’s government appears to be offering an olive branch to end more than a year of conflict in the northern Tigray region.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is releasing several high-profile political prisoners, including leaders of the rebel Tigray People’s Liberation Front.

Abiy says this will pave the way for a national dialogue for lasting peace.

But some government critics called it a publicity stunt, especially after a government air attack killed at least 56 internally displaced people near the Eritrean border.

So, how genuine is Abiy’s offer of a peaceful solution?

Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom

Guests:

Awol Allo – Senior lecturer in law, Keele University

Kjetil Tronvoll – Professor of peace and conflict studies, Oslo New University College

Adem Kassie Abebe – Programme officer, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance

Al Jazeera contacted the Ethiopian government for this programme but did not get a timely response.