ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has joined cabinet ministers and senior government officials in military training at the Hurso training centre, saying the discipline of the armed forces can help strengthen civilian leadership and advance national goals.
In a statement posted on Saturday, October 31, Abiy said Ethiopia’s pursuit of “dual success” required leaders who were physically strong, morally steadfast, knowledgeable and disciplined.
He described that success as both material and spiritual, and said military training could help prepare officials to govern effectively.
“Soldiers have an objective; civilians, too, have an objective,” Abiy said, arguing that aligning military and civilian discipline could help the country achieve its aims.
Abiy cites discipline, teamwork and accountability
The Prime Minister said military training offered lessons in teamwork, accountability, readiness, communication and carrying out tasks with competence.
He also highlighted patriotism and public service, saying a strong national army was essential to carrying out its missions.
Abiy said the training could help officials translate the government’s broader strategy into action by coordinating institutions, communicating objectives from senior leaders to the public and aligning government structures around national priorities.
He said military principles could also help leaders improve their conduct, work collectively and take responsibility for delivering on shared objectives.
In the statement, he described military science and practice as demanding discipline in conduct, decision-making and execution.
Photographs shared alongside the statement showed Abiy taking part in exercises with ministers, deputy ministers and heads of government institutions at Hurso.
Participants identified in reports included House of Federation Speaker Muferiat Kamil, Finance Minister Fitsum Assefa and Health Minister Mekdes Daba.
Duration of training not disclosed
Abiy said the programme was intended to foster a common understanding among military and civilian officials, strengthen leadership and help safeguard national security.
He argued that linking the objectives of soldiers and civilians through discipline could help create a generation capable of delivering national goals.
The training is unusual in Ethiopia, where senior civilian government officials are rarely seen taking part in military exercises.
