Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed leads ministers in military training

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has directed cabinet ministers and senior government officials to undergo military training at the Hurso military training centre. The initiative, which Abiy participated in personally, includes high-ranking figures such as House of Federation Speaker Muferiat Kamil, Finance Minister Fitsum Assefa, and Health Minister Mekdes Daba.

Abiy stated that the training aims to instill military-style discipline, accountability, teamwork, and leadership within the civilian government. He argued that achieving Ethiopia’s goal of universal prosperity requires a leadership class that is physically fit, morally resilient, and intellectually capable. He noted that while soldiers have targets and civilians have goals, the ultimate objective for both is victory.

This unusual move for civilian leaders comes as Ethiopia faces significant internal security challenges, including ongoing conflicts in the Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia regions. The country also faces heightened diplomatic tensions with neighboring Eritrea.