Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has put his cabinet ministers and senior government officials through military training at the Hurso military training centre, arguing that armed forces discipline builds stronger leadership and advances national development objectives.
Ministers Drill at Hurso Military Training Centre
Photographs shared by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on social media show civilian leaders taking part in military exercises alongside deputy ministers and heads of government institutions. The exercises took place at the Hurso military training centre, marking a rare instance of senior civilian officials undergoing armed forces preparation in the country. State media and the BBC described the move as unusual for a civilian government.
The participant list features key members of federal leadership reflecting a cross-section of government administration.
Abiy Ahmed Links Military Discipline to National Prosperity
He maintained that military institutions offer valuable lessons in discipline, patriotism, accountability, teamwork, and leadership, arguing that military training could help develop leaders with a strong sense of purpose, responsibility, and the ability to work together towards common objectives.
Soldiers have targets while civilians have goals. The objective of both is victory.
Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia
Abiy added that combining military and civilian disciplines would help create a generation capable of achieving both national security and development objectives. While some praised the call for higher standards of service, other observers questioned the propriety of senior civilian leaders participating in military exercises. International observers have emphasized caution in interpreting the move as a broad strategy shift, noting it appears primarily symbolic given ongoing security concerns and the country’s longstanding emphasis on national service.
Security Challenges Surround the Unannounced Training Program
The training initiative coincides with persistent security concerns across multiple regions of the country. At the same time, heightened tensions with neighboring Eritrea have increased uncertainty regarding regional stability and raised concerns over the possibility of renewed conflict between the two countries.
Neither the prime minister’s office nor state media has provided a timetable for the program. Officials have not released details about the curriculum, selection criteria, or whether civilian leadership would formally adopt any military duties. It remains unclear when the training began or how long it is expected to last, and observers will continue to watch for further official statements outlining the scope, duration, and objectives of the training.