Abstract
This paper examined hate speech in Ethiopian broadcast media (2020–2022), focusingon the people of Tigray. The rationale for selecting this period was the heightenedmedia polarization and intensification of hate speech in Ethiopia. We analyzed hatespeeches delivered by influential individuals, including government officials, religiousleaders, and other elites. We chose to examine these individuals because of their dom-inant media presence and their considerable influence within the country. PrimeMinister Abiy Ahmed, high-ranking government officials, religious leaders, and otherelites labeled the people of Tigray as “enemies of Ethiopia” a state-led violent cam-paign. Broadcast media extensively covered hate speeches, as a strategy for declaringwar on Tigray. Religious leaders (from all denominations) spread hate speeches,including in religious revels, and publicly declared their support for the EthiopianNational Defense Forces. This study highlights the increasing role of political leaders,religious leaders, or other elites, and broadcast media in fueling hate speech and vio-lence in ethno-polarized Ethiopia. Read more