Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has subjected cabinet ministers and senior government officials to military training, saying the experience could strengthen leadership and support the country’s development goals.
Photos shared by Abiy on social media show him participating in military exercises alongside ministers, deputy ministers and heads of government institutions at the Hurso military training centre.
The exercise is unusual in Ethiopia, where senior civilian officials are rarely seen undergoing military training.
Participants include Speaker of the House of Federation Muferiat Kamil, Finance Minister Fitsum Assefa and Health Minister Mekdes Daba.
The timing of the training and its expected duration remain unclear.
Abiy said Ethiopia’s ambition to achieve universal prosperity required leaders who were physically fit, morally strong and intellectually capable.
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He described military institutions as sources of lessons in discipline, patriotism, teamwork, accountability and leadership.
“Soldiers have targets while civilians have goals. The objective of both is victory,” he said, arguing that combining military and civilian disciplines could help develop a generation capable of achieving shared objectives.
The prime minister added that military training could instillation a stronger sense of purpose and responsibility among leaders while improving their ability to work together.
The exercise comes as Ethiopia faces several security challenges, including continued fighting in parts of the northern Tigray region, conflict in Amhara and insecurity in Oromia.
The country is also experiencing heightened tensions with neighbouring Eritrea, raising concerns about the possibility of renewed conflict between the two countries.
Abiy has previously highlighted military preparedness and national development as key priorities of his administration.
BBC News
