By- Esayas B. Bishaw
Since recently, there has been a notable surge in the proliferation and widespread popularity of Artificial Intelligence-generated imagery within the Ethiopian social media landscape . This burgeoning trend is vividly manifested through the escalating frequency of shares and circulations of these images across prominent platforms such as X, Facebook, and YouTube. Day by day, the sophistication of these AI-generated visuals is steadily advancing, both in terms of their sheer quantity and the nuanced significance they convey. As a recent insightful article published on Addis Insight highlights, a the prolifertion of AI imagieries are brought a new mode of expression for Ethiopia’s socio-political challenges, ranging from economic hardships to political unrest.
Recognizing the pivotal role played by Addis Insight in catalyzing discussions on AI imagery in Ethiopia, this commentary embarks on an exploration into the realm of AI-generated imagery. Using the context of Amhara nationalism as a compelling case study, we delve into the multifaceted intersections of technology, identity, and activism.
From Print to AI: Exploring the Nexus of Technology and Nationalism
For a long time, the advent of printing technology has been considered a key factor in the construction and consolidation of collective identity and consciousness, both vital elements of nationalism (Anderson, 1991). However, the introduction of social media has revolutionized the flow of ideas and data across the world, opening the venue for the rise of digital nationalism. Online expression of national identity, the dissemination of nationalistic narratives, activism, and the involvement of diaspora communities, among other factors, have made nationalism flourish in the age of social media.
The rise of AI appears to be opening another chapter in the relationship between technology and nationalism. The rapid march of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically OpenAI, since the last days of 2022 has induced seismic shifts in politics, overshadowing previous disruptions. The swift advancement of AI technology and an intense global race among tech giants in return are reshaping political dynamics. Politicians have increasingly incorporated AI-edited videos and synthesized voices into their electoral campaigns, utilizing these technologies not only to promote their agendas but also to stifle dissenting voices. Concurrently, AI is being employed on a broader scale by the public to articulate and amplify political and social grievances.
Amhara Nationalism 2.0: The Role of Technology in the Revival of Amhara Nationalism
Technology has played a crucial role in the reawakening and consolidation of Amhara nationalism. The role of social media, in particular, is significant in constructing ethnic consciousness among the Amharas by unveiling atrocities, humiliations, and existential threats that the Amhara faced by the Tigryan and Oromo nationalists. This has resulted in the resurgence of Amhara nationalism, which originated in the 1990s as a reaction of horrific ethnic cleansings of the Amhara in different parts of the Oromia, Benishangual gumuz regions and other parts of the country. The imprisonments and systematic assassination of Professor Asrat Woldeyus followed by the subsequent purging of active members of the All-Amhara People’s Organization (AAPO) by the TPLF-controlled government dealt a severe blow to Amhara nationalism, reducing its influence to near non-existence for a span of two decades.
However, a resurgence in Amhara nationalism emerged as the community faced escalating and multifaceted humiliations from both state and non-state entities. A renewed consciousness coincided with the expanding reach of social media, provided a platform for voices to be heard. The revitalization of Amhara nationalism gained momentum through the proactive involvement of young scholars and activists, particularly since 2015. These individuals played a crucial role in fostering ethnic consciousness, garnering support not only from the broader Amhara community but also from a substantial segment of the educated elite. The synergy of these factors has rekindled a sense of identity and unity among the Amhara people, marking a significant shift from the preceding two decades of dormancy.
As AI and social media become increasingly intertwined, Amhara nationalism continued to grow and comes up with clear narratives.This is evident by the growing popularity of AI edited imgaies prepared by Amhara nationalists have gained popularity justifiies by a widespread circulation visuals that represents the Amhara qustions and stories. . This intersection of technology and activism is reshaping the narrative and engagement within the Amhara nationalist movement.
The Symbolism in Amhara Nationalist Imagery
The AI-edited images disseminated by Amhara nationalists are appear meticulously crafted, characterized by the intentional use of symbols that carry specific meanings and the artistic expression that accompanies these symbols. The visual content seems to be strategically designed to convey a narrative, invoking cultural and symbolic elements that resonate with the intended audience. The images compiled from social media users on platforms such as X, Facebook, and YouTube, Tiktok etc reveal a notable trend where many of the visuals prominently feature symbols associated with the FANO armed resistance. These symbols appear to serve as visual markers and rallying points, effectively communicating a collective identity and purpose against the apartheid policies of the Abiy Administration.
The pictures commonly depict elements of individuals or groups of people with rifels, often with the green, yellow, and red Ethiopian flag, frequently showcase the Afro hairstyle, with a baground of mountainous landscapes. These features collectively embody the archetype of a warrior or militant in Amhara culture, reminiscent of historical figures such as the Fano freedom fighters during the Second Italian Invasion of Ethiopia.
The rifles depicted in the pictures represent power and self-defense, indicating a transformative stage in Amhara nationalism that involves armed struggle. The use of the pure tricolored Ethiopian flag, which, in the contemporary Ethiopian political landscape, is viewed by the radical Oromo and Tigray Elits as a reminiscent of imperial rule and emblematic of Amhara identity. Consequently, the flag has been banned by Abiy’s Apartheid regime, creating an anti-thetical reaction from the Amhara people and other true Ethiopian peoples of the country.
Image 1- taken from Facebook
The imagery curated by Amhara nationalists also encompasses a diverse cross-section of Amhara society ( see picture 2). This includes individuals from various demographics, such as females, Muslims, and Christians, spanning different age groups. These diverse members of the community are portrayed engaging in armed struggle, symbolizing a collective effort for survival. The representation of women, individuals of different religious affiliations, and a broad age range underscores the inclusive nature of this perceived struggle within Amhara society. It reflects a narrative where people from all walks of life are depicted as actively participating in a shared resistance, highlighting the unity and diversity within the Amhara community in the face of perceived challenges.
Image 3- taken From facebook
Image 4- The Tripartite Essence of the Amhara Man ; አራሽ (Farmer) ፣ተኳሽ (Soldier) እና ቀዳሽ (Priest) reflected in the above image.
On the other hand, images portraying crimes committed against the Amhara community are also prominently featured in campaigns aimed at drawing attention to humanitarian concerns. These images serve to illustrate the the atrocities perpetrated by both the ruling Prosperity Party and non-state actors such as radical Oromo nationalists. The visual narrative crafted by these images seeks to bring awareness to what is characterized as ruthless crimes against the Amhara population. By presenting a visual record of these alleged offenses, proponents of such imagery aim to garner support for humanitarian aid efforts and draw international attention to the plight of the Amhara community.
Picture 3-Taken from X
In conclusion, the intricate interplay between technology, particularly AI and social media, and Amhara nationalism has become a defining feature of the contemporary Ethiopian political landscape. The fusion of AI-edited imagery and the digital realm has empowered Amhara nationalists to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with a broad audience. Through symbols, strategic visual elements, and inclusive representation, these AI-generated images serve as powerful tools in mobilizing the Amhara society and articulating their grievances.
I like the image of the Rasta Man with the most beautiful squeeze on his right hand side. Rasta Man in Amhara and another Rasta Man in Oromia? Hey Abiy and July! What are you waiting for? You better leave the country cuz not one but two Rasta Mans are coming for you. I have two green cards ready for you right here in my hand. You Abiy, you are going to your country of origin, the Philippines. Jula, you are going to Rwanda to be with your Tutsi family. I repeat! Two Rasta Mans are hot on your heels. Btw, both Rasta Mans and their armies are bulletproof. How about that? You are deep creek!!!
The one with an eagle hovering above his head reminds me of my days in the 1960’s and 1970’s donning a well kept fro and bell bottom adoring my half bottom ready to go to war at a popular discotheque. He seems he can’t wait to bust a move on the dance floor with Gloria Gaynor belting I Will Survive on the earth shaking boombox. What a memory trigger, dude!!! Hey bro, you forgot your comb!
Such tragedy is one of the dividends of stupid conflicts. Chaos always accompany wars which make critical assistance almost impossible for those who need it. In these days and age, such deaths from avoidable scourge should not have happened. But what our over qualified daughter/sister Dr, Lia bint Tadesse can do? I am sure her heart is just as broken as mine. Bigots are running amok in Amhara and Oromia targeting public infrastructures and civil servants. The demonic outlaw in Oromia is massacring innocent observers of The Holy Scriptures every where in Arsi and Western Oromia. Malaria, dengue, cholera and other not yet identified epidemics are killing civilians in areas where the so-called ‘Liberation Front’ is rampaging. Let alone nations health service staff, even international aid groups have been denied access by these two groups of bandits in the two regions. The noble citizens of these two regions are at the mercy of the hooligans among them and the regime’s deadly drones raining bombs on top of them.
In light of all of this tragedy, you may ask what those among us who should know better with PhD’s are doing? These stubborn dumbbells are arguing over the ‘reputation’ of this or that leader of lawless ruffians. For these smart alecks the motto is war and destruction or bust. They blare their idiotic ‘zerraafs’ and ‘gerersaas’ trying to feed on our raw emotions and making blood money off of it. I am holding these two bands of hoodlums, their drum beaters among us along with the regime itself except the ministry of health officials for this and other avoidable deaths and destruction from totally avoidable diseases and conflicts. I have said this before and I will say it again. There is no reason that justifies the current stupid melees in the two largest regions of that country. None whatsoever. All of the issues could have been dealt and resolved peacefully. They will never be effectively and amicably addressed by violence.
I say this to my very dear Amhara brothers and sisters. I am aware of the fact that you have been unfairly targeted and demonized for all the ills that have been haunting that country. I don’t blame you if you accost me about that. Your anger has basis for it. I totally understand that. In some cases your anger is seen to boil over. I understand that also. But I also see bigots among you who are trying to use your raw anger and emotion for their long term hideous scheme. They are rallying up the hopelessly unemployed youth and pushing it to flock to the bushes just to meet its untimely demise. Bigots over there from their safe rabbit holes and here from they comfy homes are taking the two regions to irreversible destruction. Millions will senselessly die and will end up maimed with millions left homeless. For me no one was an angel the whole time in its history. There has never been real democracy anywhere in that country throughout its existence. Every ethnic group has done many things good and many things bad. That is in the past and the current generation is totally innocent of it and this must be used as a springboard for peaceful dialogue. Let’s all root and pray for that. Insha’Allah!!!
Please forgive me for a few spelling errors because I am now overwhelmed with emotions.