The Burundi National Defense Force has prohibited its members from personally possessing ordinary, but rather service passports following reports that some soldiers were leaving the country.
Brig. Gen. Gaspard Baratuza, the army spokesperson, said the decision aligns with existing administrative regulations governing the military.
“In accordance with administrative practices, it is forbidden for any member of this corps to personally possess an ordinary passport or any other document for crossing borders,” Baratuza said during a press conference this Friday.
The announcement comes amid unconfirmed reports suggesting that some Burundian soldiers had recently exited the country. Military authorities did not provide further details on the number of soldiers involved or the circumstances surrounding their departure.
Burundi’s military has not indicated whether additional measures will be taken following the reports.
