Photos: 'Republican Guard' demonstrates readiness to protect Ethiopia PM

Ethiopia’s prime minister, Abiy Ahmed was on Saturday ‘reassured’ by the newly established Republican Guard, which demonstrated its readiness to protect high-ranking government officials and their families.

Abiy, whose reforms in the democratic and economic sectors have earned him admirers and enemies in equal measure, survived an assassination attempt while addressing a rally in June this year.

Last week, the military court jailed up to 66 soldiers, who were accused of marching to the presidential palace in October, with the intention of harming the prime minister.

READ MORE: Ethiopia’s security forces plotted for Oromos to kill AbiyAbout the Republican Guard

The Republican Guard is tasked with defending the country’s constitution and constitutional order, specifically by protecting the highest level of the country’s leadership from threats and attempted attacks.

Over the past 6 months, this force has been equipping itself with highly trained security personnel and materials required to effectively perform its duties.

Saturday’s exercise was held to showcase the results of the intensive training and demonstrate the force’s readiness to thwart any imminent attacks.

Photo Credit: Office of the Ethiopian Prime Minister