Focus on Africa What's fuelling renewed tensions in Ethiopia's Tigray?
Feb 3, 2026
Kalkidan Yibelta, a BBC reporter who covered the Tigray war, discusses resumed flights, troop movements, drone strikes and contested Wolkait territory. Dr. Terry Smith, a helmet safety specialist, explains helmet certification, common rider mistakes and how to spot safer helmets. The conversation jumps between renewed regional tensions and rising motorcycle injury risks.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Life Frozen In Mekele
- A Mekele resident described freezing life after flights stopped and banks ran out of cash during renewed tensions.
- She said the last war took her husband and left her caring for children alone, fearing a repeat.
Peace Deal Didn’t Remove War Risk
- Kalkidan Yibeltal explained the threat of conflict never fully disappeared after the 2022 peace deal.
- Recent troop movements and clashes indicate a worrying military buildup, prompting international calls for restraint.
Scale Of Destruction And Isolation
- The 2020-22 war caused enormous destruction and isolation, with estimates of up to 600,000 deaths cited.
- Tigray was largely cut off: no internet, banking, telecoms or basic services for long periods.