Key facts
- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is conducting military training for his cabinet ministers and senior government officials.
- The training aims to instill discipline, patriotism, teamwork, and leadership qualities.
- The initiative takes place amid ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia's Tigray and Amhara regions, and insecurity in Oromia.
- Tensions with neighboring Eritrea are also a factor.
- Participants include the Speaker of the House of Federation and the Health Minister.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has initiated military training for his cabinet ministers and other senior government officials, emphasizing that the discipline and lessons learned in armed forces can cultivate stronger leaders and contribute to the nation's development. Photos shared on social media depicted Abiy participating in military exercises with his ministers and heads of government institutions at the Hurso military training centre. This unusual move for senior civilian officials in Ethiopia comes as the country grapples with multiple security challenges, including ongoing fighting in the Tigray and Amhara regions, insecurity in Oromia, and heightened tensions with neighboring Eritrea. Abiy believes that military institutions provide crucial lessons in discipline, patriotism, teamwork, and accountability, which are essential for achieving national goals and fostering a generation capable of overcoming challenges.