Former Ethiopia PM: Labeling me a dictator is wrong | Conflict Zone

Having resigned after several years of unrest in Ethiopia in which hundreds of protesters were killed, Hailemariam Desalegn left behind a questionable human rights record. On DW’s Conflict Zone, he said he began reforms now being taken up by his successor and wasn’t aware of alleged abuse in secret prisons. “If I knew those things I would have corrected them,” he told host Tim Sebastian.
For this week's top quotes and background go to p.dw.com/p/3RnpE
Conflict Zone is Deutsche Welle's top political interview. Every week, our host Tim Sebastian is face to face with global decision-makers, seeking straight answers to straight questions, putting the spotlight on controversial issues and calling the powerful to account.
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#dwZone #Ethiopia #HailemariamDesalegn

[@HadithiAbdulle]

Why are Western leaders not interviewed like this?

[@mtolla05]

Cuz this guy would be out of a job if he did that

[@mcgureey5414]

@@mtolla05 . Thats right and the truth

[@S4IMFTBL]

Hadith Bani-Adam I think hard talk on BBC does

[@HadithiAbdulle]

Kerima Mohammed was Tony Blair asked about if he sleeps at night for his brutal crimes he committed in Iraq in the band of democracy? Really...

[@kiyak3122]

Hadith Bani-Adam because they don’t lie bluntly after killing 1000s

[@samisami-tc7sg]

Not fair on him.....you almost never see a leader in africa resign, atleast he resigned to give chance for change.

[@OmarButta]

The irony of all of this.. the Amhara and their puppet leader abiy are worst than the previous government

[@MasteIsIllmatic]

@@OmarButta I’d say they are the same. It’s humans being humans. Crabs in a barrel.

[@domenicopalladino8484]

Sole Mariam desalegn dictator

[@domenicopalladino8484]

you in the Oromo believe that all the disaster that was done in the Oromo was only Abiy Ahmed did not have the adviser who is Haile Mariam Dessalegn the one who advised to do what was done in the Oromo there were two to plan the Aguato against you it A Said news DW mr Tim Sebastin said it is a crime he could be accused of crime against the people

[@MasteIsIllmatic]

@Abyssinia 024 Abiy is half oromo.

[@awg98]

The reporter said “Apartheid is not genocide “ and the Ethiopian Pm answer was very powerful.

[@12media70]

Is mot genocide it is like racist

[@wongelyeshoaleul311]

The old man, you are very rude. I wonder where you raised. Much respect MR Hailemariam we love you.

[@AlbertaRealtorEddyTadesse]

Desalegn : "democracy takes time". He is absolutely right, especially in a country like Ethiopia.

[@samuelt5334]

I wonder if the interviewer gets a chance to interview the Saudi Arabia king, and ask his questions with the same passion.

[@hager39]

Hoppfully to The Eritrean president

[@mcgureey5414]

Saudi dasent take Democrati remember this before u Ask

[@samuelt5334]

Mc gureey it doesn’t matter their are international laws that must be followed.

[@bilatab1969]

Atleast he asked him and you should thank for that.

[@ibrahimkisungwe]

I like the calmness of the former prime minister!

[@maledatek1]

Slippery as an eel

[@antetubo1]

The interviewer does not know enough about the TPLF. Hailemariam was used as a symbol but he acted privately and cleverly to bring change. If it was not for him Abiy had no chance. He was very smart when he answered about apartheid which clearly exposed western journalism and bias. They wouldn't interview a western dictator like this. But hailemariam was composed and kept his emotions down amazingly.

[@huiejebeu7eiejebebeheuei]

When human right is violated number One responsible is the PM then the deputy then head of police & so on.... but This man is claiming that he is not responsible for anything & the intelligence doesn't give him infos

[@harshars8197]

Now it is time for PM Abiy ahmed and President Isayas Afewerki to be interviewed by Tim. For sure they will not accept the invitation but almost all Eritreans and Ethiopians will be happy to see them.

[@caliguhaad6907]

Hailemariam Desalegn has not created the mess in Ethiopia. The human right abuses have been going on for centuries in Ethiopia. Mingistu and Zenawi have been the ones who killed and imprisoned tens of thousands of Ethiopians. Hailemariam was seen as a weak leader and was more opened than his predecessors and this gave an opportunity for the people to demand change. The interviewer seemed somehow misinformed in that he was blaming Hailemariam as the one who created these detention centers and human right abuses. Hailemariam inherited a system that was deeply based on oppression. He brought hope to minorities and the marginalized peoples of Ethiopia. He is the reason why the Oromo came to power.

[@kkenso7571]

He was a pupet! He was serving the TPLF regime. All key positions were controlled by the TPLF members. They used this poor guy to fulfill their selfish agenda.

[@WongelZelalem]

I agree

[@123MYPEOPLE]

He could have said it clear and loud and be free. But he thought denial would free him. Every one said No No including the journalist.

[@bt9626]

He is not poor ..no one forced him to take the position. thousands of people lives lost onhis watch

[@Trenwikdd5]

Why does this matter if they are competent?

[@samuelabayneh6544]

The interviewer was not balanced, but Hailemariam answered the questions with humbleness. By the way, I agreed that he was the responsible person at that time, but he did a good thing by resigning. We don't have to forget that he was circled by a very experienced in human persons.

[@ካ.ደ.መ.Z]

He is not a dictator He is a puppet

[@abdioumer]

He did his best thank you H.D and also we need to appreciate what he had done for us

[@PoBoy_Trucker]

Bs

[@yohannesshukarey]

His best is not enough. Did see when he was eating drinking dancing with those junta people in mekelle, the people who rubbed the country.

[@anthonynyambane7031]

the interviewer has an agenda.he should question how Europe got its democracy .

[@anthonynyambane7031]

@Anonymous the violence and massacre of world wars. we know the history .there is no massacre in Ethiopia.

[@dareal2669]

@@anthonynyambane7031 didn't aged well

[@Kushaitopia]

I like how HD, explained and compared Apartheid to the interviewer

[@AliHassan-hb1bn]

The ugliest crimes on earth any time and palace happened in Afria and did by Europpeans

[@merhawei8318]

WHY DOESN'T HE INTERVIEW THERESA MAY ABOUT GRENFELL TOWER ?

[@TheBINIBALL]

why is the first tactic always to deflect?

[@sjaksfourevermohammed3963]

I wish this man can interview the whole dictator leaders in Africa clear interview thanks

[@mohamedaadam7250]

Sjaksfourever Mohammed indeed

[@SidyMGueye]

Sjaksfourever Mohammed , how about interviewing the western leaders who go around the world destroying countries. ;)

[@thebridge5483]

Sidy M. Gueye like France

[@sjaksfourevermohammed3963]

The BRIDGE 54 brother you need to anderstand i know exactly what i am talking about i been every where in africa tell me wich country is safe for the people? Most of the African leaders they don't care about the human being bro but if you go to france 🇫🇷 or eny Europe they treat you well i am from Africa as well i know how the African people think but it doesn't work like that you have to say the truth bro you said they are destroying Africa what do you mean they are helping you man do you know what's going on in Ethiopia 🇪🇹 right now people killing each other every day this is African nation looks like the western country and the whole Europe they know what they doing for them self and athers they are helping

[@thebridge5483]

Sjaksfourever Mohammed we have reach the point where Europeans nation don’t need to be involved in our continent especially politically, what I’m gathering from you is that Africans cannot survive on their own that we need Europeans to civilize us? We are in a different time my friend, Africans have to take their own destiny into their own hands if we can’t do it by ourselves then we should perish

[@balawi3039]

He was a decent leader and one who showed unmatched integrity by stepping down when he did, being the first to do so in Ethiopian history. What ills happened under his tenure were due to factors out of his control. Thank you Desalegn for your service to the Ethiopian people.

[@gbesvk.]

This is what interview looks like. Clear, tell and ask the truth.

[@Jackrobert28]

@000 Ooo TPLF will divide Ethiopia

[@salihibrahim562]

OOO@ you’re wrong. The journalist was thoroughly prepared and confronted him with hard facts. The Criminal Hailemariam was shaken, unable to defend his pernicious record. Having said that however, I agree with you, he was a puppet - And, Meles deliberately selected him to be his deputy.

[@addishaile7318]

Yes indeed

[@Mercy2Mee]

Not at all! This was disrespectful and felt like a prison interrogation.

[@mgshagirmeso6231]

Right but when it happens at the right time not taking advantages

[@tesfatsionshiferaw3474]

The journalist went to far!!!! And he wasn't listening to what HMD was telling him!

[@capoislamort100]

I dare him to interview Putin like this, or any other European heads of state

[@koala10ish]

Dear Tim, Please note that he is an innocent and kind man; and he was just a puppet of the TPLF Tigrian regime, currently fled to North Ethiopia and who are still terrorizing the rest of Ethiopia from their capital city Mekelle using the $30 billion they embezzled from aid given to Ethiopia. Please confront the top TPLF clique to give Ethiopia peace and let Abby build Ethiopia peacefully. Hailemariam had no choice but follow TPLF elite orders. Hadn't he had done so, TPLF would have even tortured and sodomized him. Mr. Hailemariam, please tell Tim that you were following TPLF orders to save your and your family's lives! Be honest as a believer.

[@aiwanano6507]

koala10ish TPLF is good I really do not understand why you people have to hate a ethnic group and third party just because it’s stronger and it’s good history example: liberating Ethiopia from communist dictatorship regime

[@aiwanano6507]

Why hate on tplf they did nothing wrong NOTHING we made the culture you people use we where Aksum the beginning of Ethiopia after D’MT

[@rootin222]

capoislamort100 but insult Sankaras image by defending this fool

[@capoislamort100]

Rootin For Lenin Mk II so, I should be defending the damned white man??

[@selehagerie1358]

Hailemariam Desalegn, we are so proud of who you have shown yourself to be. We are watching you from all corners of the world - watching you pave the way for real change in beautiful but bruised Ethiopia. Watching you battle hardened systems as a minority and, despite the attempts from this interviewer to pit you against Abiy Ahmed, to not only bring him to power but defend him through this Tigray crisis & the hardest moment in Ethiopia’s contemporary political history. Congratulations on the Foreign Policy article. It’s sad because I would normally forgive some lack of understanding from interviewers based in Europe. After all, they have often been brainwashed by their own societies that they are the intellectual commanders of the world and that Africa is but one story of cartoon dictators. But this Tim really had the cheek to pretend he was asking difficult penetrating questions - while spouting shallow generic questions that only exposed his own bigotry and lack of insight. I’m sorry for the entrenched sense of superiority that enabled this kind of ‘journalism’. A simple-minded man lacking the intellect or self-awareness to even attempt to understand Ethiopia. Nevertheless, time will bring this to the limelight - and I do look forward to the world understanding what this interview really meant. Congratulations, Hailemariam.

[@zehabeshatv5836]

I felt the same. Good insight!!

[@dav551]

What a Brillant journalist!!World especially Africa needs this journalist

[@mulugetakejela6126]

quite frankly, he never was a the prime minister.

[@mulugetakejela6126]

@joe Johnson Technically he was, but he was more like a puppet than PM.

[@baba8877]

Mulugeta Kejela that's true, he never was other ppl were riding him .

[@simontessema7966]

@@mulugetakejela6126 u man How you wzr he puppet or not.simply don't blame

[@simontessema7966]

by the way are you woyane

[@dawittek9543]

Unfortunately he was. But he doesn't have a ball like abey

[@SF-jc1jl]

I love this journalist. As an Ethiopian, I take my hat off for you sir, for having done your homework well and exposing the toxic politics and impunity in my country. Thank you.

[@skylineromeo2134]

The man is a straight forward man.

[@natnaelasmelash4711]

He was a puppet from the day they put him to the office

[@semerehaile972]

I would like to see you with Eritrean government please and ask him the same question

[@zamanuchange525]

Weak up Weak up Ethiopians !!! Watch tomorrow Abiy he will get this Position again they will asked Him to give back the call it Noble Price. First did we asked the Price they will give you and they will take it by YOUR power all the time !!!

[@zetamful]

I wish this man can interview the dictator Isiais and all dictators !!

[@Rimna]

cause i love Eritrea deep

[@Rimna]

and Mr issue think like this its your duty to work for your nation for free to see some progress. me and you we are not strong people cause strong Eritreans never left home

[@MrErizone]

Zeta Mob - First of all who is Isiais? one can assume whom you are talking about, but also concludes you don't know what you are talking about. Just in case you are talking about H.E. President Isaias Afewerki, we have seen him sitting with the worst interviewers in the past. If you don't like him as a person, his answers may not satisfy you but for the majority Eritreans he is our pride. Unlike HMD, he sacrificed his entire life for the cause of Eritrea so he wouldn't have to struggle to answer any question thrown at him in a discondensing manner. If he accepts an interview with Tom Sebastian, obviously he will be subject for disrespect but at the end of the interview, Tom will come out more enlightened by learning the truth in my honest opinion. If you are an Eritrean be proud of your leader H.E. President Isaias Afewerki who have kept the country intact for you to call it your country. Otherwise go to Mekele!

[@gggjjkkim832]

U might run into him in Mekelle apparantly it's his wish to walk the streets there lol

[@undermysaviour]

Kkk Issayas will throw his truth at his face.

[@TPLFantiEthiopia]

PM HD should have told the truth instead of being defencive.

[@alexbaekafo1118]

the journalist's approach was not inviting to do that.

[@amenchristian6651]

Former PM Meles Zenawi was not loved by the Western because he was good for his country!!!!!!!!!! Our BELOVED late prime minister Meles Zenawi is IRREPLACEABLE and that's for SURE!!!!!!!! He was the MOST HIGHLY GENIUS, TALENTED, LOVING, and WISDOMFUL prime minister that Ethiopia EVER HAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now people are dying everyday because of the NONE ELECTED DICTATOR prime minister Abiy Ahmed!!!!!!!!!!!! Please be HONEST Mr journalist!!!!!!! 🙏

[@bero431]

Hahahahahahahahaha I love it!!! He grilled the bozo. He should raise his hands and say: "I am sorry, I was a puppet"

[@liyagashahun8632]

I wish our journalists learn from this one, where they get prepared by having all the necessary justifications, enough knowledge and confidence about the issues they will raise.

[@kiliawta]

This mofo old fart is an agitator, he is abusing his guest. I don’t like the way he is abusing poor Hailemariam.

[@Lobo-Lobo]

Tim Sebastian BIG THANK YOU SIR! DW BIG THANK YOU....DICTATORS CANT HIDE IF YOU INTERVIEW LIKE THIS! May you live Ten Thousand years Sir Tim.......Ohhhhh... THIS IS THE BEST INTERVIEW ABOUT Ethiopia I have ever heard.... I dont care if I die today...... ohhhhhhhh.....

[@yaredyenealem]

The interview could be shortened had Hailemariam admitted that he was just a puppet!

[@eyosiyasengdawork6445]

i dont tnk he was aware of that...i think they keep it in a way that he wont be aware that he is in fact a puppet...

[@manofchange832]

That argument doesn't hold any water, as a PM he is at the head of the highest office in the land, he was not kept in the PM's office under gun point, if he felt that he was a puppet or hold no actual powers he could have resigned at any time. But anyway I found the whole interview very disrespectful, just intended to humiliate him, the interviewers condescending and scornful attitude is absolutely ridiculous, I can't understand how he just sat there for the duration of the whole interview, if I were Hilemariam I would have just got up and left after the first two questions.

[@Heckiable]

Thank you!

[@samiloveeth7920]

@@manofchange832You just nailed it.

[@geletakelbessa1595]

@@manofchange832 He didn't resign b/c he couldn't (maybe he was under a gun point).

[@coffeelatte6344]

Our Ethiopian journalists take a lesson from this interviewer how depth he prepared to find z truth.

[@amanandom6579]

Lehabesha media information yeminiqeyayerbet Sayhon dnqurnachin minagaltbet new.

[@mitikumekuria7719]

Don't be fool man. If Ethiopian journalists ask this way, they will be lynched right after the interview.

[@catsanddogs7268]

There are no journalists in Ethiopia all are አሽቃባጭ

[@eyobtesfaye5337]

sir u have my respect well said

[@moe3000]

Look like the journalist misinformed and bias, he couldn't even gave him a chance to answer the questions. Look like a set up

[@abebayebitew8997]

What a journalist! These were our questions we Ethiopians wished for long time to ask this dictator. Thanks Tim Sebastian!

[@kimhadihadi2257]

I think the interviewer is a little bit more rude.

[@baba8877]

Kim Hadi Hadi tbh it was and the journalist been very disrespectful to HD

[@caleb8695]

The way he led our country was ruder. As a country what we had gone through cannot be forgotten. And you come here and tell me the interview was rude? This is hilarious 😂

[@blackbeauty6306]

I am not good at politics and not supporter but I really appreciate Hailemariam patience !

[@alexruhama8497]

Hailemariam contributed hugely for the change and helped to bring Dr Abiy's government. This interview would be valuable if it done for those who are still stirring Ethiopians peace and kill innocent mother's and children, close the roads and spread horrors. Sad

[@secretaryofstate1]

Alex Ruhama abiy is far worse

[@alphacomputersolutions2314]

I personally didnt know people outside my country know this much so deeply and vividly about the situations in the country. Am so grateful that there are.

[@andamlakandfitret6561]

I do, that all they do snooping around us all day every day. We r sleeping.

[@skylineromeo2134]

This Ethiopian man is very ignorance he is making a lot of mistaking reply to this man. How can he be speaking to public he apologies to is people's. Did that apologise can solve the problem he apologies for without any changes.

[@abdirahindahir4614]

This is the hottest interview I ever watched in my entire life.

[@nostredamos1808]

Entire life.....Mr dahir do u have life ?

[@babeema]

nostredamos 1 hahaha - Abdi don’t know anything about hot 😂

[@nostredamos1808]

@@babeema 😂 mr abdi is funny

[@berhanwar]

Sus

[@andukiya9998]

but i love the way hailemaryam challenge the interviewer

[@addisabebe5794]

I really appreciate his calmness and I have never seen this kind of rude journalist. The questions didn't fit hailemariam . thanks for being polite.

[@moisse5646]

I love the interview but he was not a dictator, he was simply a puppet.

[@dawitteklit4716]

This is so funny.😂😂

[@myboss6414]

I agree, but only Ethiopian people knew that.

[@jimmyolum4344]

A puppet of who?!

[@da8387]

From the beginning he should not be a politician

[@debessaiabraham5241]

@@jimmyolum4344 murcia of course did you ever hear that triangular zone in Africa.............Ethiopia Nigeria and Egypt.........yer they are puppies boy

[@tamkinethio5872]

He don't know anything Leave him 😡

[@sahra4091]

The poor guy had no power or control. He was poppet.

[@canijone2617]

He should tell him that he was puppet. He is very stubborn and rude guy.

[@rohaaniidaalii9758]

"the poor guy" 😂😂😂

[@hassenmohamed1841]

Yes it was

[@ahmedaden7062]

Absolutely you right he was nothing but Tigray gang clans was controlling him

[@Seven-c6q]

ahmed aden there were non Tigray ppl involved too btw eprdf is more than tplf

[@footballsoccer872]

Did he forget that he is interviewing a former prime minister? I can’t believe the level of rudeness and disrespectful attitude the interviewer has. I don’t know much about Hailemariam and his time in power, but I feel like he is been abused in this interview.

[@Samron17]

Boy stfu

[@emanali1512]

Football Soccer thank you I am not the only one who is seeing this. So rude 🤦‍♀️

[@wisdompro109]

Football Soccer, thanks 🙏🏿. You are right!

[@teddytechilo]

Man y'all dont know nothing, what HD and the whole Woyane regime have done to Ethiopian people, and y'all got the nerve to say he was being abused by journalist...man

[@teddytechilo]

@@Samron17 they have no clue what they're talking about..

[@AlbertaRealtorEddyTadesse]

The journalist could let him answer his questions before throwing insults. The ex-prime minister kept his calm, I respect him for it.

[@jaredtesfaye9281]

I really appreciate this journalist you did your job, please bring PM Abey

[@farahdahir8554]

I have never seen an African journalist interviewing leaders like this ,,,,

[@MrMessiyo]

"in my opinion he ain't a dictator " i would say he's not a leader or dont have power which he deserves to have in his position. cause if we label him as a dictator, tell me which dictator would give their seat without fighting especially in Africa ?

[@MrMessiyo]

@Anonymous Mr. Anonymous, first u don't have to take it personally, like I said in the beginning it's just my opinion. try to be reasonable instead of judging me.

[@titanproductions3628]

Meseret Yohannes this Comment is the reason why you Ethiopians are suffering and hungry for century’s, he is interviewing a dictator so no professionalism for him,

[@hisa3439]

No dictator would let him interview them this way!!

[@kbb7400]

The reporter came ready! Bravo 👏🏾

[@HawrarLyrics]

At least haile Mariam stepped down to pave the road for new Ethiopia. He was the first Ethiopian leader to ever step down or hand over the power to a fellow Ethiopian. All others before him were ousted ,killed or died while in control. I believe haile Mariam was more like a technocrat surrounded by military junta.

[@georgewalter7271]

This rude guy shouldn't be allowed to do what he is doing, it's not a personal matter

[@koala10ish]

Dear Tim, Please note that he is an innocent and kind man; and he was just a puppet of the TPLF Tigrian regime, currently fled to North Ethiopia and who are still terrorizing the rest of Ethiopia from their capital city Mekelle using the $30 billion they embezzled from aid given to Ethiopia. Please confront the top TPLF clique to give Ethiopia peace and let Abby build Ethiopia peacefully. Hailemariam had no choice but follow TPLF elite orders. Hadn't he had done so, TPLF would have even tortured and sodomized him. Mr. Hailemariam, please tell Tim that you were following TPLF orders to save your and your family's lives! Be honest as a believer.

[@titanproductions3628]

George Walter he is interviewing a dictator so no professionalism for him

[@isaacghirmay8327]

mr, journalist,,do u know the assasination of engineer simegew, a grand renaisance manager which abiy government didnt want to pursue charges against any body ?...did u know of addis ababa youth who abiy ahmed ordered to be detained for a month in a military camp for merly asking to be administered addis ababa by the mayer of their choice not by a mayer his party elected , against the law of the town...

[@Nimitz_oceo]

This obviously had never heard of conflict zone before he agreed to do this interview

[@andukiya9998]

i think the interviewer him self is challenged by the PM

[@roselee8243]

It is a lawless country....and still is

[@Kushaitopia]

@@roselee8243 I guess you live happily never awake.

[@ghezaeestifhanos8434]

If he is a dictator he wouldn't site with you for interviewing him, Jornalist your worlds are so rude, Is unrespect way

[@salihibrahim562]

Ghezae Estifanos: the journalist did a splendid job for exposing this coward... he couldn’t even defend his record properly other than stuttering and tried to embellish his atrocious record:

[@TakelePetros]

I really appreciate my Heoro former PM for your gentle leadership and given a great lesson to the world wilngnessly resign from power!

[@zoeycooper7666]

If you want to know the truth behind HMD, listen to the current PM Abiy Ahmed speech on this day, He was under a lot of pressure and was scared for his own life. TPLF did a lot of damage to the country for 27 years. We get it now HMD and you are forgiven.

[@solomondesta8484]

" I DIDN'T KNOW " Is a shameful answer Smh !!!!! You should have known !! And ofcourse you knew !!! Confess and be redeemed !!!

[@kassahunmekuria4629]

Solomon Desta Well said!!

[@asayasay6101]

The journalist is very biased and disrespectful. Hailemariam wasn't a dictator. He just happened to be in the wrong place. He realized it late but when he did he resigned from PM position. He was an outsider and didn't well understand the system and was being used by TPLF elites. Him being incompetent isn't sufficient to let him free but not also something to label him a dictator.

[@berhanwar]

This is an interrogation, not an interview 🤣.

[@abdirahindahir4614]

Looks like it.

[@jonpender]

If you want puff piece interviews I suggest that you watch Oprah.

[@brehannegewo8212]

Former PM HD was sheep not wolf

[@salihibrahim562]

Buna: I am very glad , he was interrogated with hard fact. The poor Hailemariam was put to shame.

[@addishaile7318]

Ya, it looks like it.

[@salihibrahim562]

Thank you heartily Mr. Tim Sebatian. Hailemariam Desalegn is not only weak, he is a criminal. Thousands of Ethiopians were murdered under his watch. Getachew Asefa was his right hand man. Thank you again for confronting this bloody coward with hard fact. It’s ridiculous to see supposedly a devote Pentecostal follower lying in broad daylight about his record. Furthermore, the only reconciliation for Ethiopians is to bring criminals like Hailemariam to justice to not let them go Scott free.

[@aabbe762]

I wish what the journalist and Hailemariam would say today about Abiy Ahmed in 2022.Abiy is by far the worst by any measures.

[@letigebrekristos3282]

I can't wait to see Esayas Afewerki going through this kind of interview. I pray to God we will see it happen soon.

[@tirhasagw5728]

Good luck

[@hisa3439]

Eseyas would never let anyone to interview him at all!! That is a dictator. Atleast hailemariam resined!!

[@afinspires48]

Isias is the real wise U can't challenge that man

[@hisa3439]

@@afinspires48 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️

[@nousername5673]

@@hisa3439 Isias has been interviewed. Just saw one on Al-Jazeera in 2010.

[@laughing-out-loudhd996]

I wish TPLF leaders... Debretsihone being interrogated like this... This old dude is insane

[@adamgovit4571]

Don't blame this man he was just a Trojan horse for tigrian mafia

[@zekariasgiorgis7734]

you are bold man bro. I am sorry to say bold man but I should. How is possible to say Hailemariam was supporting Tigreans?

[@moe3000]

@@zekariasgiorgis7734 b/c he is ignorant

[@wogoshesha4890]

u r mind blind sorry fo ur identity

[@sebeynatey5377]

I watched this more than 10 times this interview I love Tim Sebastian's Zone Conflict channel. Hailemariam it's been on power do nothing and don't know whats going on inside the country

[@abebekebede6360]

The interviewer should have been courteous. Journalism isn’t about blaming besides the party is responsible too, journalism is about extricating information that is valuable for the public. I am sorry to say that I haven’t seen journalism here,I haven’t learned anything new. Former president Hailemariam Desalegn could also have done better not only in defending himself but dispelling the notion that a single person can neither take all the blame nor take the credit and that rationing of credit and blame should ought to be done on a case by case basis.

[@abebekebede6360]

Sad

[@abebekebede6360]

Really sad

[@AA-fw4kp]

Well,we will send the new prime minster Abiy Ahmed to the interviewer as soon as possible.

[@GoGo-en7ly]

Let's please that would be amazing to watch

[@deenh9960]

Lol He won't face this interviewer Cuz he knew what will happen I wish this Man interviewed Isayas by any chance

[@Mike-ci5io]

😂😂😂 I don't think you can hear English very well did you take note how many times the interviewer praised Dr. Abiy for "cleaning up the mess"

[@AA-fw4kp]

@@Westcont1588 Lol Endemer, will not work with this horrible interviewer. As you know he is real serious and disrespect person.

[@AA-fw4kp]

@@Mike-ci5io Have you heard what had say former prime minster Hailemarima Desalegn?

[@awindowofhope4254]

I love your confidence Mr halimariyam. Keep it up!! Why you didn't interview on your side people's? Why focus on African economic,politician....etc???

[@SF-jc1jl]

Thank you to the interviewer.This former PM wanted to tuck everything under the rug.Im Ethiopian and I truly appreciate this interview.These liers and ought to know that the whole world knew and watched when they were lying their heads off.This should be seen as a warning to all other dictators that there is always humiliation after abuse of power.

[@AbdifetahIOmar]

Dam this is heated interview. But former PM is brave and he is right. He was brave enough to initiate changes and bring Aby ahmed. Thanks the Conflict zone for not shying to ask tough questions

[@thk4962]

He has never beeen a dictator,he is a religious man and also he is one of the great persons who brings this political change or Reformation.i think the journalist didnt have enough information about him.

[@123MYPEOPLE]

Wow. A journalist, he asked a real question. Thank you sir. That is how you hold them accountable. You put him on hot water.

[@VoiceofAmhara]

Former PM Hailemariam lacks fluency to express his thought.

[@gezahegndegefu5416]

@D T Sexy as well ,I hope u articulate sexual affairs fluently.

[@kirubeln7427]

ቬሮኒካ መላኩ As if he has a thought???

[@hannahkassa6319]

This is supposed to be an interview? I call this pure bullying. A great journalist lays down an evidence first and ask questions respectfully instead of asking accusatory questions! I admire your patience Mr. Former PM of Ethiopia. I would have walked out from such bullying! I don't think this man has enough knowledge and evidence about the country to conduct this interview.

[@gigi_shebabbawfan]

Mendenow fetchaw alagebagem ere ye English language alarjec alebeg esti tergmuleg men asemelketo now ngeru

[@salihibrahim562]

Hannah Kassa: My dear sorry, you felt your boy was bullied. The truth is , the journalist had all his records and confronted him with it. The killer Desalegn Hailemariam was caught by surprise and made fool out of himself.

[@africaunite4489]

Hannah Kassa I think the interviewer had evidence it is obvious he was a puppet!!!

[@samueldesalegn6565]

Mr Tim Sebastian would you please call Mr Hailemariam again to your office this time and interview him! You will get the truth!! Hailemaiam is our Hero! Time has revealed the true face of Hailemaiam.

[@harrismekonen180]

“I didn’t know “

[@tirhasagw5728]

U are right he don't know anything

[@chulonger]

Very interesting interview. Tim was “torturing” him with upsetting questions but Hailemariam “slapped” him when he said “apartheid was like genocide for Africans “, which I would call the real “conflict zone” because Mengistu had his contribution during apartheid era supporting Madela’s struggles as well as Fidel and Gaddafi, all labeled as dictators.

[@nweed4449]

He played the race card truly well there😂😂

[@iam_sammie]

Hailemariam is complicit of an ongoing genocide in its own country. Delusional!

[@ወሎ-የ7ረ]

He still afraid of his old bosses that why he is not telling the truth.

[@mommom5788]

sure

[@aiwanano6507]

Lol

[@simontessema7966]

How he afraid dear aster

[@eliyahyahweh4266]

So true

[@prom253]

''You are too coward to say anything '' 😂😂 my condolences to HMD😂

[@cheguevara5751]

"My condolences " 😂😂 that was funny.

[@kalkidanelias1189]

He is a sweet man the fact that he resigned and said I want no part in this that doesn't label him as a dictator. He was the face they the party shud be accountable look at the man he's scared even when he was in power he was scared.

[@nytoaddis76]

Haile Mariam is a very decent and honest man who was trapped by the wolves of EPRDF. He resigned and gave up power peacefully, asked for forgiveness, and was forgiven. Journalist is clueless and shallow.

[@gashts]

This amateur interviewer has nothing of decency, I appreciate the way the late premier handled it throughout, staying calm even with such a bigot!

[@shirowet4596]

The late premier? When did he die?Or you meant former?

[@ethiopianclassics917]

He made me sad at the end when he got up and climbed those stairs. He was right in that he wasn't in the actual party circle: he was, to an extent, a puppet for the ruling party.

[@gamalsankara1388]

How do Ethiopians in general view him?

[@grantlit2196]

@@gamalsankara1388 we hate everyone that "led" the country after menelik. They all sucked to be honest.

[@gamalsankara1388]

@@grantlit2196 were they corrupt or brutal?

[@grantlit2196]

@@gamalsankara1388 Well its complicated. They were usually only looking out for a specific group of people and themselves. But I would say that they were more so brutal. The reason they weren't "corrupt", is because when they got into power they would immediately change the countries laws or rules to allow certain things. This was simply out of hate, and ironically it was supported by the citizens of specific ethnic groups that wanted complete dominance in the country. A good example is the tplf dedicating its entire regime to killing the amhara ethnic group. In some countries this would be seen as corrupt. But there were even citizens who had that kind of hate, that actually supported it.

[@hubunafisseha1540]

I didn’t know that Tim was unprofessional and rude till I watch this...

[@kimhadihadi2257]

I agree he is unprofessional

[@titanproductions3628]

Hubuna Fisseha he is interviewing a dictator so no professionalism for him

[@titanproductions3628]

BEZAWIT BEZAWIT he is interviewing a dictator so no professionalism for him

[@andukiya9998]

me too he is a mobile dead

[@eliyahyahweh4266]

He did not knew what was happening almost in everything and everywhere in the country because the TPLF put him as a poppet . He came from minority he had no power when he was in that position so called prime minister. He barely had a say in his position. That was the problem. He was dying daily.

[@EYUMAN]

Hailemariam was a puppet of TPLF. He never governed Ethiopia in his way. In this interview he denied every evil thing that happened during his regime. He has to beg Ethiopian their pardon for all evil things done in his time.

[@addishiwottadesse2883]

at 06:19 journalist: Abiy is cleaning up your messes HD: No He is Not cleaning up “his” messes Journalist: No he is cleaning up your messes. me: looooooool *100000

[@yt6780]

Lol me too😀😀

[@tirhasagw5728]

😂😂😂😂😂😂Abiy messes

[@davidbasset7557]

damn this is embarrassing i felt like i was watching "To Catch A Predator"

[@TheGuursade]

hhh absolutely

[@adaneabebe1816]

I just can't stop laughing after I watched this interview.

[@mantegboshtacco7267]

especially the way he went out of the room.

[@addishaile7318]

He deserved it for what he did!

[@mohd2682]

Why is the interviewer acting like he is the judge? I never liked this ex PM but did he really had to take all these disrespectful questions, let's see Tony Blair and Bush being questioned like this, pure hypocrisy.

[@ibrahimabdi6786]

Hailemariam , very humble and down to earth man. Imagine how he is patient with this hoax bullying the PM. Congrat and live long Haile marriam

[@mulukentilahun6552]

i would have punched him in the nose...

[@MrChuckmike]

Punch who?

[@risack8640]

This is not professionally conducted interview, the guy was straight rude and disrespectful.

[@ahmedamuhammed8920]

and he thinks the Prime minister he is under the law

[@elbaecc]

Typical British entitlement. They still have the mindset, especially the older generations, that they rule over Africa and Asia.

[@titanproductions3628]

Rey Kenobi because they still rule a country that allows them be ruled, if you ask me it’s free real estate and free resources, this Comment is the reason why you Ethiopians are suffering and hungry for century’s, he is interviewing a dictator so no professionalism for him.

[@elbaecc]

@@titanproductions3628 TIL, I am Ethiopian... Also, you do realize your condescension proves me right....right? Ofc, I don't assume you are British but you surely are one of those fair skinned people who have been led to believe that the West is this benevolent cultured civilized people and the rest are not and hence they deserve their fate.

[@gebegreater9495]

The journalist abused him.I appreciate the prime minister that he was not emotional despite the rude interview.

[@salihibrahim562]

Gebeyehu: he was speechless, stuttering all over. Desalegn was unable to defend his record. Indeed, he was woyane trained puppet.

[@megersaregassa7690]

Hailemariam Desalegn was not only a dictator, was a killer, he is bloody hand. He killed more than 5000 innocent Qerro who protested for their right. It is the matter of time, we will bring him to justice after regime change, . "Time will heal every thing." What a wonderful journalist, he was asking from my heart.

[@suadahmed2779]

This President deserve Nobel prize for peaceful transfer of power thank you. I will say East Africa thank you even if your party was the worst party for 27 years. 🌿💚