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.
In short
- Abiy Ahmed has put ministers and senior officials through military training.
- He says military discipline can strengthen leadership and support development.
- The training comes amid several security challenges and tensions with Eritrea.
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The case for
Supporters could argue that military training teaches discipline, teamwork and accountability—skills that can strengthen public leadership and help officials coordinate during serious security and development challenges. Shared training may also build solidarity across government and signal that senior leaders are willing to undertake demanding work themselves.
The case against
Critics could argue that military training risks blurring the line between civilian government and the armed forces, especially while the country is facing several conflicts and regional tensions. They may question whether it improves public administration, and whether officials’ time and public resources would be better spent on civilian duties or addressing the causes of insecurity.
Explained simply
Abiy Ahmed became prime minister in 2018, after years of protests and political change in Ethiopia. His government has pursued reforms while trying to manage tensions between the federal government and regions with their own political and security forces.
Ethiopia is a large, diverse country in the Horn of Africa, and its recent conflicts have involved both domestic and regional rivalries. Fighting in Tigray and Amhara, insecurity in Oromia and strained relations with neighbouring Eritrea form part of the wider challenges facing the government.
Ministers lead areas such as finance and health, while the military is responsible for national defence and security. The training brings senior civilian officials into a military setting, where Abiy says they can learn discipline, teamwork and accountability—qualities he links to government and national development.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Ethiopian PM puts ministers through military training”.