Ethiopia’s Abiy sends senior officials for military training

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has put cabinet ministers and other senior officials through military training, arguing that military discipline can help build stronger leaders and support national development. The move is unusual in Ethiopia, where senior civilian officials are rarely seen taking part in such training.

Photos show Abiy alongside ministers and other officials at the Hurso military training centre, including the finance and health ministers. It is unclear when the training began or how long it will last. Abiy cited discipline, teamwork and accountability as lessons for government leaders; the programme comes as Ethiopia faces fighting in Tigray and Amhara, insecurity in Oromia and heightened tensions with Eritrea.