Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has granted clemency to more than 1,000 prisoners in a move aimed at easing prison congestion and promoting reintegration into society.
Effective January 1, 2025, approximately 400 inmates will receive full pardons, while 750 others will benefit from partial pardons. Additionally, three individuals serving life sentences will have their sentences commuted to fixed jail terms.
Justice Minister Rodrigue Bayala described the initiative as a “New Year gesture” intended to give prisoners a second chance and encourage them to contribute to national development. The measure also aligns with the government’s ongoing prison reform agenda.
Captain Traoré, who assumed power following a September 2022 coup, has prioritized security and economic development during his leadership. This latest action comes as the country continues to grapple with militant insurgencies and broader challenges in the Sahel region.
The pardons are seen as a step toward improving the nation’s prison system while addressing humanitarian concerns linked to overcrowding.