Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed Puts Cabinet Ministers Through Military Training

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has subjected cabinet ministers and senior government officials to military training, arguing that military discipline can help develop stronger leaders and advance the country's development goals.

Photographs shared by the prime minister on social media showed him participating in military exercises alongside ministers, deputy ministers and heads of government institutions at the Hurso military training centre.

Senior Officials Join Military Exercises

Among those participating in the training are Speaker of the House of Federation Muferiat Kamil, Finance Minister Fitsum Assefa and Health Minister Mekdes Daba.

The exercise is unusual in Ethiopia, where senior civilian government officials are rarely seen undergoing military training. However, details about when the programme began and how long it will last have not been disclosed.

Abiy said Ethiopia's ambition to achieve universal prosperity required leaders who were physically fit, morally strong and intellectually capable.

Abiy Highlights Military Discipline and Leadership

According to the prime minister, military institutions offer important lessons in discipline, patriotism, teamwork, accountability and leadership.

He argued that combining military and civilian disciplines could help produce a generation of leaders capable of working towards shared national objectives.

“Soldiers have targets while civilians have goals. The objective of both is victory,” Abiy said.

He added that military training could strengthen officials' sense of purpose, responsibility and ability to work together in achieving national development goals.

Training Comes Amid Ethiopia's Security Challenges

The exercise comes as Ethiopia continues to face security challenges in several regions, including renewed fighting in parts of Tigray, 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 both nations.

Abiy has previously identified military preparedness and national development as key priorities of his administration. The latest training initiative reflects his emphasis on applying military values to civilian leadership and governance.