ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA - Ethiopian soldiers protesting over pay have met with the prime minister after their appearance in the capital caused security concerns, with internet services cut off for hours.

"They raised issues related to their living conditions, low pay and a dismal benefits package and demanded to meet the prime minister," commissioner of the Federal Police Commission, Zeynu Jemal, told The Associated Press. "[Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed] told them the way they presented their grievances was not correct but anyway heard their issues. At last, he ordered all of them to do 10 push-ups and then invited them dinner."

Some of the dozens of soldiers around Abiy's office refused to comment. Others, heavily armed, were seen elsewhere in Addis Ababa.

Abiy announced sweeping political and economic reforms after taking office in April.