Mekelle፡ 15 August 2024 (Tigray Herald)
By Yerga Yaecobe
Comprehensive Critical Analysis and Evaluation of Post-Genocide Tigray: The Role of Irresponsible Media Groups in Perpetuating Civil Conflict and Defending Failed Leadership
Introduction: The Role of Media in Post-Genocide Societies In the aftermath of the horrific genocide that devastated Tigray, the media’s role becomes crucial in shaping narratives, healing wounds, and rebuilding the fabric of society. Responsible media are essential in helping a nation recover, providing accurate information, fostering dialogue, and promoting reconciliation. However, some media outlets in post-genocide Tigray have chosen a path that exacerbates divisions, misleads the public, and defends failed political figures. These media outlets must be held accountable for their damaging role in misleading Tigrayans, spreading misinformation, and even calling for internal strife within the Tigrayan society. The media groups listed here—Dedebit Media, Zara Media, Awramba Times, Tigrai Press, and Tigrai Online—are responsible for contributing to a distorted, biased media environment. They have acted irresponsibly by spreading falsehoods, defending failed leadership for personal gain, and opposing the Pretoria Peace Agreement, which aims to bring lasting peace to the region.
The Scary World Syndrome and Media’s Negativity Bias
One of the most pervasive issues with these media outlets is their emphasis on negativity and fear-mongering. Often referred to as the “Scary World Syndrome,” this approach amplifies the perception that Tigray is in perpetual danger and that its leadership must maintain an aggressive stance to protect it. Instead of focusing on rebuilding and post-genocide recovery, these media outlets inundate their audiences with negative portrayals of those who advocate for peace and reform. By presenting an exaggerated, dystopian view of Tigray’s current challenges, they reinforce a siege mentality, polarizing society and leading to internal conflict.
Negativity bias also plays a major role in these media’s approaches, where they disproportionately cover sensational and fear-inducing stories rather than hopeful narratives of recovery and progress. This not only distorts reality but also prolongs the societal trauma that Tigray has endured, making reconciliation and healing harder to achieve.
Media Responsibility in Encouraging Civil War and Internal Strife
These media outlets—Dedebit Media, Zara Media, Awramba Times, Tigrai Press, and Tigrai Online—have actively stoked tensions within Tigrayan society, often calling for civil unrest or civil war. Instead of acting as mediators or providing a platform for constructive dialogue, they have irresponsibly pushed divisive narratives that encourage conflict within Tigray’s already fractured society. By doing so, they are not just failing in their journalistic duties but are acting as catalysts for violence.
This is particularly dangerous in a society that has just experienced one of the most brutal genocides in modern history. Media outlets in such a context should be focused on nation-building, promoting unity, and encouraging dialogue. Instead, these outlets have chosen the path of destruction, exacerbating divisions among Tigrayans by sowing seeds of distrust and anger. They are directly responsible for escalating internal conflicts that could lead to civil war within the region. This is not just a failure of journalistic integrity but a betrayal of the Tigrayan people.
Defending the Failed Debretsion Gebremichael Political Group: A Narrow, Self-Serving Interest
The support of these media outlets for Debretsion Gebremichael and his splinter group reveals their narrow, self-serving interests. Despite overwhelming evidence of Debretsion’s failures in both the military and political spheres—failures that led Tigray into genocide—these media outlets continue to defend him. This defense is not based on facts or objective analysis but rather on narrow individual interests. Debretsion Gebremichael’s political group represents a failed model of governance that contributed to the suffering of the Tigrayan people. His leadership was marked by poor decision-making, a lack of preparation for the genocidal war, and a refusal to adapt to changing political realities.
Instead of holding Debretsion accountable for his failures, these media outlets act as his mouthpieces, promoting narratives that paint him as a victim or even a hero. This is a gross distortion of reality, and it undermines the legitimate calls for reform, justice, and a new leadership structure within Tigray. These outlets have chosen to place their individual, narrow interests above the greater good of the Tigrayan people. This is a betrayal of the principles of journalism and an abuse of their platform.
Misinformation and Disinformation Against the Pretoria Peace Agreement
Another grave offense committed by these media outlets is their active opposition to the Pretoria Peace Agreement. Rather than supporting an agreement that aims to bring peace and stability to the region, these outlets have spread misinformation and disinformation about it. They portray the peace agreement as a betrayal of Tigray, deliberately misleading the public to incite resistance and violence. Their refusal to present the facts of the agreement in an objective manner reveals their biased agenda.
By opposing the Pretoria Peace Agreement, these outlets are not only hindering peace efforts but also prolonging the suffering of the Tigrayan people. Peace is essential for Tigray’s recovery, yet these media outlets have chosen to prioritize their political allegiances over the well-being of the society. This is both irresponsible and dangerous, as it creates a climate of fear and hostility, making it harder for the peace process to move forward.
Condemnation of Irresponsible Media Groups
It is imperative to condemn Dedebit Media, Zara Media, Awramba Times, Tigrai Press, and Tigrai Online in the strongest possible terms for their irresponsible and dangerous actions. These media outlets have betrayed the trust of the Tigrayan people and have actively contributed to the internal strife that threatens the region’s fragile peace. They have distorted the truth, defended a failed leadership, and opposed peace efforts that could have brought stability and recovery to Tigray.
Their role in spreading misinformation and disinformation must be acknowledged and addressed. It is essential to hold them accountable for the harm they have caused to Tigrayan society. They have failed to uphold the basic principles of journalism—accuracy, fairness, and objectivity—and have instead acted as agents of division and conflict.
Conclusion: The Need for Responsible Media in Post-Genocide Tigray
The role of media in post-genocide Tigray is crucial. Media outlets should be helping to heal the wounds of the past, providing accurate and balanced information, and supporting efforts to rebuild society. Unfortunately, Dedebit Media, Zara Media, Awramba Times, Tigrai Press, and Tigrai Online have chosen to pursue a destructive path, prioritizing their own narrow interests and defending a failed political group that contributed to Tigray’s suffering.
It is time for these media outlets to be held accountable for their actions. They must be condemned for their role in spreading biased, distorted information and for their opposition to peace efforts in Tigray. Moving forward, Tigrayan society must demand responsible journalism that prioritizes truth, peace, and the well-being of the people over narrow political interests. The survival and recovery of Tigray depend on it.
