Unusual move in Ethiopia: Government ministers participate in military training

In an unusual move in Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent ministers and senior government officials for military training at the Horso training center. Participants include the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Health, and the Speaker of the House of Federation. Ahmed stated the goal is to strengthen leadership through military discipline. The backdrop includes internal conflicts and tensions with Eritrea.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed initiated an unusual move in Ethiopia: ministers, deputy ministers, and heads of government institutions are participating in military training at the Horso training center. Among the participants are Finance Minister Fitsum Assefa, Health Minister Mekdes Daba, and Speaker of the House of Federation Mufriyat Kamil. Ahmed published photos of the training on social media and explained that the goal is to instill military discipline and strengthen the leadership skills of senior officials. According to him, combining military and civilian principles will foster a responsible and committed generation of leaders. According to a BBC report, this is an exceptional move in a country where civilian officials do not typically participate in military training. The training takes place against the backdrop of internal conflicts in Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia, and growing tensions with Eritrea. Ahmed did not present the training as preparation for a specific military confrontation.