Echoes of Violence: Analyzing Hate Speech in the Ethiopian Broadcast Media

This paper examined hate speech in Ethiopian broadcast media (2020–2022), focusing on the people of Tigray. The rationale for selecting this period was the heightened media polarization and intensification of hate speech in Ethiopia. We analyzed hate speeches delivered by influential individuals, including government officials, religious leaders, and other elites. We chose to examine these individuals because of their dominant media presence and their considerable influence within the country. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, high-ranking government officials, religious leaders, and other elites labeled the people of Tigray as “enemies of Ethiopia” a state-led violent campaign. Broadcast media extensively covered hate speeches, as a strategy for declaring war on Tigray. Religious leaders (from all denominations) spread hate speeches, including in religious revels, and publicly declared their support for the Ethiopian National Defense Forces. This study highlights the increasing role of political leaders, religious leaders, or other elites, and broadcast media in fueling hate speech and violence in ethno-polarized Ethiopia.