A conflict between the government of Ethiopia and forces in its northern Tigray region led by Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has thrown the country into turmoil. A power struggle, an election and a push for political reform are among several factors that led to the crisis. Thousands of people have lost their lives with reports of at least 350,000 living in famine conditions. The 'rebellious’ TPLF forces have made advances towards the capital Addis Ababa in the past weeks intensifying the tensions. There are growing international calls for a ceasefire, however civilians oppose a recent US call for the government and TPLF forces to negotiate.