Ethiopian Prime Minister Puts Cabinet Through Military Training
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed says discipline and patriotism learned in military exercises can foster stronger leadership and advance national development.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has subjected his cabinet ministers and other senior government officials to military training, asserting that the discipline inherent in armed forces can cultivate stronger leaders and propel the nation's development.
Photos shared by the prime minister on social media depict him participating in military exercises alongside deputy ministers and heads of various government institutions at the Hurso military training center. This practice is uncommon in Ethiopia, where high-ranking civilian officials are seldom seen undertaking military training.
Among those participating are Muferiat Kamil, Speaker of the House of Federation; Fitsum Assefa, the Finance Minister; and Mekdes Daba, the Health Minister. The duration and commencement date of the training remain unspecified.
In a social media post, Prime Minister Ahmed stated that Ethiopia's aspiration for universal prosperity necessitates that its leadership be physically fit, morally upright, and intellectually adept. He posited that military institutions impart valuable lessons in discipline, patriotism, teamwork, accountability, and leadership.
"Soldiers have targets while civilians have goals. The objective of both is victory," Ahmed remarked, adding that the integration of military and civilian disciplines would cultivate a generation capable of achieving both.
Ahmed argued that military training can develop leaders possessing a robust sense of purpose, responsibility, and the capacity for collaborative effort toward shared objectives. The training occurs amidst Ethiopia's ongoing security challenges, including continued conflict in parts of the northern Tigray region, unrest in Amhara, and insecurity in Oromia. Additionally, heightened tensions with neighboring Eritrea have raised concerns about the potential for renewed conflict.
Prime Minister Ahmed has consistently highlighted military preparedness and national development as foundational elements of his administration's objectives.