Ethiopia faces many challenges, and one of them is the rise of online hate speech and misinformation, which threatens social cohesion and makes peacebuilding harder. False or unverified stories spread quickly online, deepening divisions and eroding trust. That’s why the #HateFreeEthiopia campaign brings together influencers—who shape the digital environment—and trusted community radio stations to push back against these harmful trends.

The #defyhatenow_Ethiopia Initiative is implemented by r0g_agency in partnership with Positive Peace Ethiopia (PPE) and funded by the European Union is launching a crucial media partnership to air a specific radio program called “Itiyoophiyaa Jibbarra Bilisa” with Fana Media Corporation’s Shashemene Branch to empower communities in the Oromia region. The collaboration will focus on equipping citizens with the fact-checking knowledge and media literacy skills needed to combat the rising tide of misinformation and hate speech.

At the heart of this initiative is a dynamic weekly 30-minute radio program, produced by graduates of the Africa Fact-Checking Fellowship – Ethiopia (AFF-ETH) Cohort 1. Our fellows, Jemal and Negawo will leverage their expertise to educate the public, share essential fact-checking techniques, and foster critical thinking through engaging content in Afaan Oromo. We are targeting young people aged 16-35, a demographic often vulnerable to the influence of misinformation. Listeners can expect expert interviews, in-depth discussions on current events, and easily digestible educational segments that break down fact-checking principles and media literacy concepts.

This partnership with Fana Radio allows #defyhatenow_Ethiopia to amplify the importance of media literacy and fact-checking, reaching a wide audience with vital information.

Here you can access the first episode from the sound cloud

This campaign recognizes that trust and influence are key to changing online behavior. By partnering with respected voices and leveraging the reach of community radio, #HateFreeEthiopia aims to empower Ethiopians to become responsible consumers and creators of online content.

Giving individuals the ability to think critically and resist division is ultimately what this is all about. Small actions, such as questioning a suspicious post or sharing verified facts—can make a real difference, whether through radio, social media, or casual chats because peace is possible when communities unite to oppose hate and false information.