Ethiopia Makes Military Training Mandatory for Ministers and Senior Government Officials

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has made military training mandatory for cabinet members and senior government officials, saying military discipline will help strengthen the country's leadership, improve governance and accelerate national development.

Photographs shared by Abiy on social media showed him taking part in training exercises alongside ministers, deputy ministers and heads of various government institutions at the Hurso Military Training Centre.

The move is considered unusual in Ethiopia, where senior civilian officials are rarely seen undergoing military training.

Among those taking part are House of Federation Speaker Muferiat Kamil, Finance Minister Fitsum Assefa and Health Minister Mekdes Daba. However, no clear information has been provided about when the training began or how long it will continue.

In his social media post, Abiy said the country's leaders must be physically fit, morally strong and intellectually capable to achieve Ethiopia's broader national prosperity goals.

He argued that military institutions teach important values, including discipline, patriotism, teamwork, accountability and leadership.

According to the prime minister, combining military and civilian discipline will help develop a generation of leaders capable of succeeding in both fields. He also said the training would strengthen their sense of purpose, responsibility and ability to work together towards common goals.

The initiative comes as Ethiopia faces multiple security challenges across the country. Fighting continues in parts of the Tigray region, while conflict persists in Amhara and insecurity remains a concern in Oromia.

Tensions with neighbouring Eritrea have also escalated, raising fears of a possible renewed conflict between the two countries.

Abiy has previously highlighted military preparedness and national development as key drivers of his government's broader objectives.