Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
“Echoes of Hate: The Role of TPLF-Afiliated Media in Inciting Genocide andCivil War in Post-Genocide Tigray
Executive Summary፡
This document presents an in-depth international standard analysis of therole of TPLF-afiliated media propagandists in fomenting violence, civil conflict, and genocidalideologies in post-genocide Tigray.
The analysis draws parallels with historical precedents suchas the Rwandan Genocide media convictions and makes strong recommendations for legalaccountability, political detoxification, and media reform.
I. Introduction:
The Dangerous Power of Media in Post-Conflict Societies In the aftermath ofgenocide, media plays a crucial role in either healing or re-dividing a society. In the case of Tigray, several TPLF-afiliated media entities have abused this power, using their platforms topreach hatred, sow division, and incite violence among Tigrayan society.
This report focuses onthree key figures:Haile Arefayne, editor of Dedebit MediaStalin Gebreslasie, editor of Zara MediaBesrat Kebed, editor of Tigrai Press.
These individuals operate from the diaspora in the United States and Australia and are accusedof fueling post-genocide instability by perpetuating cult-like TPLF ideological dogmas.
II. Genocidal Media Incitement: International Legal Context According to the GenocideConvention (1948):Article 3(c) criminalizes “direct and public incitement to commit genocide.”Article 3(e) includes “complicity in genocide”, regardless of whether the incitement is direct or public.
Historical precedent from the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) provides apowerful legal benchmark:Ferdinand Nahimana (RTLM founder) and Hassan Ngeze (Kangura editor) were sentenced tolife imprisonment.Jean-Bosco Barayagwiza, another media executive, received 35 years.
III. TPLF Propagandist Media and the Culture of Hate
- Cult-like Ideological Indoctrination
The three TPLF-linked editors continuously preach TPLF’spolitical supremacy, vilify political reformers like Getachew Reda, and delegitimize calls forreconciliation. Their media disseminates disinformation, glorifies war criminals, andcharacterizes dissenting Tigrayans as traitors.
- Psychological Warfare and Digital Hatred
The language used by these media propagandistsis inflammatory and divisive, rooted in deep psychological manipulation. Hatred is incitedthrough portrayals of moral superiority, victimhood extremism, and conspiracy-driven narratives.
- Civil War Incitement and the Danger of Intra-Tigrayan Conflict
These media actors havecontributed to an environment ripe for civil war within Tigray by:Encouraging Tigrayan-on-Tigrayan political violenceDefaming community elders, intellectuals, and political reformersSupporting rogue militias aligned with the Debretsion-led TPLF faction
IV. Media Watchdog Evidence and Digital Forensics
Tigray Media Watch (TMW), in collaboration with:Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review
International genocide scholars Security and political expertshas gathered a digital archive of hundreds of hate-inciting broadcasts, tweets, videos, andarticles by the named editors. These materials have been cross-referenced with spikes in localviolence, hate speech incidents, and militia mobilizations.
V. International Legal and Advocacy Recommendations
- Legal Action Against Diaspora Media
Figures Legal accountability can be pursued via:
Universal Jurisdiction laws in the U.S. and AustraliaCivil and criminal lawsuits on incitement, defamation, and complicity in post-genocide violenceFiling dossiers to U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Australian Federal Police (AFP)
- International Advocacy and ExposurePrepare comprehensive legal dossiers for submission to the United Nations Special Adviser onthe Prevention of GenocideEngage U.S. and Australian congressional human rights commissionsPartner with international human rights groups for strategic litigation
- National Media Detox Strategy for Tigray
Establish a truth and reconciliation commission for media accountabilityCreate a professional, independent Tigrayan Public Broadcasting system.Ban hate media outlets and hold editorial boards accountableVI. Political and Security Consequences of Genocidal Propaganda
The unchecked actions ofHaile Arefayne, Stalin Gebreslasie, and Besrat Kebed are directly responsible for:
Undermining peace and recoveryRadicalizing segments of the populationTriggering dangerous factionalism in TDF and among youth militiasVII. Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Media Responsibility The fight for justice in Tigray cannotsucceed without tackling genocidal propaganda.
TPLF-linked hate media is a ticking time bombthreatening to detonate another civil war within an already traumatized society. The internationalcommunity, diaspora legal experts, and Tigrayan advocacy groups must unite to end thisideological and psychological violence.
Prepared by: Tigray Media Watch (TMW) Digital Intelligence DivisionIn partnership with Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR)Supported by regional legal experts, genocide scholars, and media watchdog volunteers The comprehensive document titled “Echoes of Hate:
The comprehensive document titled “Echoes of Hate: The Role of TPLF-Afiliated Media inInciting Genocide and Civil War in Post-Genocide Tigray” has been completed. It includes deepanalysis, legal references, historical parallels, and a strong call for justice.
It also ofers strategicrecommendations for advocacy groups and international legal action.
