Identity Construction, Reverse Discourse and the Amhara Nationalism in Ethiopia

Abstract

This paper examines how anti-Amhara ethnonationalists have constructed derogatory epithets to rationalise their mistreatment of Amhara, and delves into how Amhara nationalists endeavour to reclaim these epithets by imbuing them with positive connotations, contrasting with what the former has attached to them. It is a qualitative study that draws data from interviews with leaders of Amhara-based political parties, scholars, and victims of genocide, as well as review of social media content and scholarly literature. Foucault’s concept of reverse discourse, which entails resistance to prevailing discourse without altering the language and categories of the dominant group, was employed as an analytical tool. The findings reveal that ethnonationalist movements, emerging since the 1970s, utilised the imagery of ‘Amhara as enemy’ to spur political mobilisation. They construct disparaging epithets like neftegna (gun-holder) and timkhtegna (chauvinist) to justify their mistreatment of Amhara. This led to widespread killings and evictions of the people. In response, Amhara youths have formed a resistance movement since 2015. They strive to mobilise the populace by repurposing these derogatory labels as a tactic to resist discursive defamation and genocidal acts.