The president of Burundi is reportedly planning to fire all married officials currently employed by his government who have lovers on the side.

Evariste Ndayishimiye, 53, leader of the Republic of Burundi in central-eastern Africa, is allegedly planning to fire all married government officials involved in extramarital relationships, according to the news site iHarare.

In a letter that has been posted on social media for all to see, and which appears to be addressed to all the provincial governors in the country, the Minister of the Interior, Gervais Ndirakobuca, labelled government workers who maintain “concubines” as well as their spouses “irresponsible”.

iHarare claimed that the directive is being masterminded by Ndirakobuca.

The Minister added in the letter that their behaviour ran the risk of “disorienting the public”.

He said government officials were supposed to “embody certain values and serve as an example to inspire trust in government workers”.

He said that it had come to the ministry’s attention that some government officials were “maintaining concubines and/or illegal relationships despite the government having taken measures to discourage this type of behaviour throughout the country”.

The letter concludes: “You are asked to note all existing cases in your jurisdiction and begin procedures to suspend offenders from their functions as soon as you receive this letter.”

Netizens appeared to react with humour to the announcement, with ‘Mgiftan’ joking: “Imagine breaking the news to your wife and children that you have been fired because of mjolo.”

‘Mjolo’ is a South African slang word that means ‘relationship’.