Ethiopia: How to Start a Revolution

Educate yourself and others about every aspect of the idea of the revolution. Know what and why this fight must happen and how it can be won. Identify the goals and the most efficient means of achieving them without compromise. Appreciate and respect a diversity of tactics. The revolution must be directed towards making things better. This is what is called a “positive vector”.

Understand that one of the most important aspects of a revolution is that the people are angry. However, the cause for anger ought to be of true convictions, and in their anger there must also be discipline to their cause.

Put together intentions which must be very popular among the population. It must aim towards the improvement of certain aspects of society, economics, culture, or any other aspects of a social group. Appreciate and respect a diversity of tactics.

• As Egypt has shown us, the devil can be in the details, here — and your revolution can easily be co-opted. Recognize this as a sign that your idea was popular enough to attract attention, and be prepared to overcome attempted splintering.

Find like-minded people who are ready for action. Set up a field of communication. You must work in a non-hierarchical group in which all voices are equally heard.

• If you have even a small group dedicated to the same cause, it may be useful for someone to serve as a front woman/man; these should be humble people and they must not be identified as “the leader” or “the leaders,” but as individuals chosen becasue they reflect consensus.

Take Action. This is the most important step because the revolution dies without it. You must take action whether it is a nonviolent protest or a sit-in or a boycott. Your leader must motivate the support and dutifully work day and night to improve your Revolution. The power in place will defend itself, for that is the nature of power. Illegitimate “governments” are not happy about a rebellion from their people and will do anything to crush resistance. Remember that armed struggle is not an option. No matter how well armed or trained you are, you cannot withstand an organized country’s military – especially if a superpower and its allies are backing the regime in place. Last of all, do not let up. Often you may be discouraged by loss or lack of morale but remember, many other countries have revolted and after several losses still have still overcome overwhelming adversity. Remember, your goal is the heart of your operation, your consensus is the mind of the revolution, and the actions you and your support take are the hands of your revolution.

Work for collective liberation, because everyone’s liberation is tied to each other’s. If we are going to be free, we all need to be free. If we are to have a voice, all must have a voice.

Demonstrate the popularity of the movement to the people of power, legislature, and military. The greater the popularity among the society, the more the likelihood of violent repression is reduced.

Realize that a drastic political or social revolution is almost always about freedom. In general, revolutions are about major changes in some aspect of society. A peaceful revolution requires solidarity and agreement.