Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has subjected cabinet ministers and senior government officials to military training, saying lessons from the armed forces could improve leadership, discipline and national development.
Photographs shared by Abiy showed him participating in exercises alongside ministers, deputy ministers and heads of government institutions at the Hurso military training centre.
Those involved included Finance Minister Fitsum Assefa, Health Minister Mekdes Daba and Speaker of the House of Federation Muferiat Kamil.
Abiy said military institutions could teach public officials patriotism, teamwork, accountability and a stronger sense of responsibility.
He argued that combining military and civilian disciplines would help develop leaders capable of achieving Ethiopia’s development ambitions.
The exercise comes as the country faces security challenges, including conflicts in Tigray, Amhara and Oromia, as well as rising tensions with neighbouring Eritrea.
The government has not disclosed when the training began or how long it will last.
