Date of Award
5-1-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. in Journalism
First Advisor
Zenebe Beyene
Second Advisor
Marquita Smith
Third Advisor
Bill Cassidy
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
This study investigates how traditional journalism frames peace and justice in post-conflict societies, using Rwanda and Colombia as comparative case studies. It explores the role of media in shaping public discourse around transitional justice, reconciliation, and national healing. The findings indicate that Rwanda’s media adopted a justice-first framing, emphasizing accountability and moral restoration through mechanisms such as the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and the Gacaca courts. In contrast, Colombian journalism during the 2012–2016 peace negotiations with the FARC guerrilla group prioritized peace-first framing, portraying dialogue and reintegration as essential to ending decades of violence. These divergent approaches reflect broader institutional and cultural contexts, with Rwanda’s centralized media reinforcing state-led unity narratives and Colombia’s pluralistic media landscape enabling competing interpretations of justice and reconciliation. The findings also reveal that media framing is not merely reflective but constitutive of post-conflict moral discourse. By legitimizing specific transitional justice pathways, journalism influences public trust, institutional legitimacy, and societal healing. This study contributes to the field of peace journalism and offers practical insights for future peacebuilding efforts, demonstrating how media can be strategically engaged to support inclusive and culturally sensitive reconciliation processes.
Recommended Citation
Khan, Ahmer Anwar, "Media Framing of Peace and Justice in Post Conflict Societies: Rwanda and Colombia in Focus" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 8838.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/8838