Ethiopian Premier Abiy Ahmed Puts Cabinet Through Military Training to Instill Discipline

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has enrolled his cabinet ministers and other senior government officials in a military training program, asserting that the discipline of the armed forces can forge stronger leaders and accelerate national development.

Photographs released by the premier on social media depict him participating in military drills alongside ministers, deputy ministers, and heads of government institutions at the Hurso military training center.

The initiative marks a rare occurrence in Ethiopia, where senior civilian officials are seldom seen undergoing military instruction.

Participants include the Speaker of the House of Federation, Muferiat Kamil, Finance Minister Fitsum Assefa, and Health Minister Mekdes Daba. The start date and duration of the program have not been disclosed.

In an accompanying post, Abiy stated that Ethiopia’s pursuit of universal prosperity demands leadership that is physically fit, morally upright, and intellectually capable. He argued that military institutions impart vital lessons in discipline, patriotism, teamwork, accountability, and leadership.

“Soldiers have targets while civilians have goals. The objective of both is victory,” he wrote, adding that merging military and civilian disciplines would cultivate a generation capable of achieving both.

The Prime Minister contended that such training develops leaders with a profound sense of purpose, responsibility, and the ability to collaborate toward shared objectives.

The exercise unfolds as Ethiopia grapples with multiple security crises, including persistent hostilities in the northern Tigray region, conflict in Amhara, and instability in Oromia. It also coincides with escalating tensions with neighboring Eritrea, raising concerns over potential renewed conflict between the two nations. Abiy has consistently positioned military preparedness and national development as cornerstones of his administration’s agenda.

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