Ethiopian PM puts ministers through military training

What the report says

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has had cabinet ministers and other senior government officials take part in military training, according to BBC Africa. Photos he posted on social media show him exercising alongside ministers, deputy ministers and the heads of some government institutions at the Hurso military training centre.

The BBC reported that the exercise is unusual in Ethiopia, where civilian officials are not commonly seen in military drills. Among those taking part were Speaker of the House of Federation Muferiat Kamil, Finance Minister Fitsum Assefa and Health Minister Mekdes Daba. It was not clear from the report when the training began or how long it will continue.

Abiy said in his post that Ethiopia’s development goals depend on leaders who are physically fit, morally strong and intellectually capable. He argued that the armed forces offer lessons in discipline, patriotism, teamwork, accountability and leadership, and said combining military and civilian discipline could help produce a more effective governing class.

The training comes as Ethiopia faces several security pressures, including continued fighting in parts of Tigray, conflict in Amhara and insecurity in Oromia. BBC Africa also noted heightened tensions with Eritrea and broader concerns about the risk of renewed conflict. The prime minister has previously linked military preparedness with his government’s wider ambitions.