Turkmenistan’s military leadership is preventing officers and sergeants from resigning by withholding their passports for months, sources told turkmen.news.This unofficial policy has become a method of forcibly retaining personnel amid widespread dissatisfaction with poverty and disarray in the armed forces.
Military enlistment office in AshgabatFor several years, increasing numbers of service members have been leaving the military to seek work abroad.Now, even desertion — formally known as AWOL (absence without leave) — no longer guarantees dismissal.
According to sources, Defense Minister Begench Gundogdyev has refused to sign discharge orders for six months or more, effectively stranding those who wish to leave.A recent report from Lebap Province reveals the growing severity of the issue.
The new practice, aimed at stemming the wave of resignations, is not only illegal but also undermines military discipline, insiders say.Previously, when an officer or sergeant stopped reporting for duty, commanders would eventually discharge them under disciplinary regulations.
Formal resignation requests have long gone unsigned, prompting many to leave through desertion.But that option is also being blocked.According to turkmen.news, Gundogdyev himself has placed an informal moratorium on resignations, refusing to process any discharge orders.
As a result, those who have stopped serving remain in limbo — technically violating military rules, yet not officially dismissed.Despite their prolonged absence from duty, these individuals are not formally discharged, likely due to a severe staffing shortage.
The Defense Minister’s inaction appears to be an attempt to prevent further depletion of the military ranks.Meanwhile, commanders continue to withhold the passports of those seeking discharge — a practice that effectively traps them.
Without a passport, a person cannot legally work, apply for visas, or leave the country.Beyond the human rights implications, the practice raises serious questions about the army’s operational readiness. “What kind of military can defend the country when no one wants to serve in it, even in peacetime?” one source asked.Those who attempt to leave the army face verbal abuse.
Gundogdyev is said to tell them, “What, you think you’re somebody now?You came here in torn clothes.”But ragged clothing, sources say, is more a symptom of life under Gundogdyev’s leadership.
Many officers are forced to buy their own uniforms and even supply provisions for their units, according to previous turkmen.news reports.Despite widespread dissatisfaction and allegations of corruption and incompetence, Gundogdyev remains in his post.
Why he continues to hold power — and who supports him — remains unclear.His critics say he has weakened the Turkmen military to the point that it may no longer be capable of defending the country, or even its own personnel.