Abiy and ministers take part in military training
The Ethiopian prime minister calls discipline and physical fitness part of administrative leadership.
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Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, along with ministers and other senior government officials, has taken part in military training. The exercises took place at the Hurso training centre, in a country where the government is simultaneously dealing with several security conflicts.
Images and information about the training were circulated on Saturday by Ethiopian state media and the prime minister himself. According to Fana Broadcasting Corporate, Abiy took part in exercises in Hurso alongside ministers, deputy ministers and heads of government institutions. The programme’s precise duration and components have not been disclosed.
Abiy presented the training as a way of instilling discipline, responsibility and physical resilience in leaders. In his explanation, he linked the activity to Ethiopia’s development objectives and to his political idea of Medemer, which emphasises cooperation and bringing together. It has not been reported that ministers will take on operational roles in the army.
Ethiopia is meanwhile facing continuing security problems. According to Associated Press, tensions and fighting have again occurred in and around the Tigray region in recent weeks. Associated Press reports that the government has established a temporary regional administrative structure there and that former fighters are seeking a return to civilian life.
The current training, in itself, does not prove that a new military operation is being prepared. Nor is it clear whether all cabinet members were required to take part, how long they stayed in Hurso or which security objectives the government precisely links to the programme. Abiy mainly emphasises the training’s formative significance.
For Ethiopians, the initiative could therefore be viewed in two ways. Government supporters may see it as leadership development in a country where governance and security are closely connected. Critics may fear that military norms are becoming more deeply embedded in civilian administration. Without additional information about decision-making or follow-up training, the latter remains a political interpretation, not an established consequence.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The prime minister and senior government officials underwent military training in Hurso.
- The government presents the programme as leadership development.
- Ethiopia is simultaneously facing security problems, including in Tigray.
Left
Arguments A civilian government should primarily invest in public services, accountability and peaceful conflict mediation, rather than normalising military discipline within government.
Values Civilian authority, human rights and democratic oversight of security services.
Consequences Military training could further undermine the confidence of citizens and minorities in the government if they see it as a sign of militarisation.
Centre
Arguments In a country facing serious security problems, limited training may have symbolic or practical value, but the government must make clear what its purpose, legal basis and democratic oversight are.
Values Institutional stability, transparency and proportionate governance.
Consequences Clear rules can limit the risks; without an explanation, it remains unclear whether this concerns training, propaganda or preparation for broader security operations.
Right
Arguments Officials responsible for national security may reasonably be expected to understand the discipline and sacrifices of security services.
Values State authority, national unity and a sense of duty.
Consequences A visible connection between political leaders and the armed forces can project determination, but it can also blur the dividing line between the military and civilian government.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article’s core is confirmed by Ethiopian state media. The broader security context is based on recent AP reporting; uncertainties about the programme are explicitly stated.
- confirmed Abiy Ahmed and senior Ethiopian officials took part in military training in Hurso on 31 October. — Reported by Fana Broadcasting Corporate. source
- confirmed The programme’s scale and duration have not been disclosed. — The reporting consulted names the participants and location, but gives no duration or full programme. source
- confirmed Ethiopia is simultaneously facing new tensions around Tigray. — AP describes recent fighting and a temporary administrative structure in Tigray. source
Editor's note
It is certain that Abiy and senior officials took part in military training in Hurso on 31 October. The programme’s scale, duration and practical purpose have not been made public.Sources
- PM Abiy Ahmed Underscores Military Training’s Role in Building Capable, Disciplined National Leadership — Fana Broadcasting Corporate
- Ethiopia sets up Tigray caretaker government as ex-fighters seek return to civilian life — Associated Press
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