Abiy Sends Ethiopian Ministers to Military Training Camp

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has put his cabinet ministers and other senior government officials through military training. Photos he shared on social media show him taking part in exercises alongside ministers, deputy ministers and heads of government institutions at the Hurso military training centre. It is an unusual move in Ethiopia, where senior civilian officials are rarely seen doing military training.

Among those taking part are Speaker of the House of Federation Muferiat Kamil, Finance Minister Fitsum Assefa and Health Minister Mekdes Daba. Abiy, who is known by his first name, said Ethiopia's ambition to achieve universal prosperity requires leadership that is physically fit, morally strong and intellectually capable.

He said military institutions offer lessons in discipline, patriotism, teamwork, accountability and leadership. “Soldiers have targets while civilians have goals. The objective of both is victory,” he said. Abiy argued that combining military and civilian disciplines would help produce leaders with purpose, responsibility and the ability to work together.

The training comes as Ethiopia faces multiple security challenges. Fighting continues in parts of the northern Tigray region, conflict is ongoing in Amhara, and Oromia remains insecure. Tensions with neighbouring Eritrea are also heightened, with concerns about the possibility of renewed conflict between the two countries.

Abiy has previously emphasised military preparedness and national development as central to his government's ambitions. The BBC reports it is unclear when the training began or how long it is expected to last.