Ethiopian PM puts ministers through military training
The prime minister has previously emphasised military preparedness as central to his government's ambitions.
Ethiopian PM puts ministers through military training
The training comes as Ethiopia faces continued fighting in parts of the northern Tigray region
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has sent his cabinet ministers and other senior government officials for military training, saying the discipline of the armed forces can help produce stronger leaders and support the country’s development.
Photos he posted on social media show him joining military drills with ministers, deputy ministers and heads of government institutions at the Hurso military training centre.
The step is unusual in Ethiopia, where senior civilian officials are seldom seen taking military training.
Among those involved are Speaker of the House of Federation Muferiat Kamil, Finance Minister Fitsum Assefa and Health Minister Mekdes Daba.
It is not clear when the training started or how long it is meant to continue.
In his post, the prime minister, known as Abiy, said Ethiopia’s goal of achieving universal prosperity required leaders who were physically fit, morally strong and intellectually capable.
He said military institutions provided important lessons in discipline, patriotism, teamwork, accountability and leadership.
"Soldiers have targets while civilians have goals. The objective of both is victory," he said, adding that blending military and civilian disciplines would help form a generation able to achieve both.
Abiy said military training could help shape leaders with a strong sense of purpose, responsibility and the ability to work together toward shared goals.
The training comes as Ethiopia faces several security challenges, including continued fighting in parts of the northern Tigray region, conflict in Amhara and insecurity in Oromia.
It is also taking place amid rising tensions with neighbouring Eritrea, with fears of a possible renewed conflict between the two countries.
Abiy has previously stressed military readiness and national development as key to his government's ambitions.