In a sweeping gesture of clemency marking the 65th anniversary of Ivory Coast’s independence, President Alassane Ouattara has pardoned more than 2,000 inmates and reduced the sentences of over 6,000 others, offering relief to a significant portion of the country’s prison population.
“The commemoration of our country’s independence this year, like that of previous years, is a powerful moment of unity around our beloved Nation and an opportunity to reaffirm the values of peace and forgiveness on which it is founded,” President Ouattara declared, highlighting the spirit behind the large-scale pardon.
Under two decrees signed by the president in accordance with his constitutional powers, 2,087 prisoners received full presidential pardons.
Additionally, 6,446 inmates whose remaining sentences were less than thirty-six months were granted sentence remissions, effectively shortening their prison terms.
In total, 8,533 common-law prisoners convicted primarily of minor offenses will benefit from these measures. This development comes as Ivory Coast grapples with a prison population estimated at around 27,000, underscoring the government’s commitment to decongest correctional facilities while promoting social harmony.
The president’s announcement sparked mixed reactions within Abidjan’s prisons, with some detainees expressing hope and relief, while others voiced frustration over those who were excluded.
Nevertheless, the move is widely seen as a step towards reinforcing national unity and reconciliation, reflecting the country’s broader efforts to foster peace and stability after years of political and social challenges.
As Ivory Coast reflects on over six decades of independence, this gesture stands as a potent symbol of forgiveness and renewal, aimed at healing divisions and building a more inclusive future for all citizens.
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