Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara has granted a presidential pardon to more than 4,600 prisoners as part of the country’s New Year tradition.
The clemency was announced on Wednesday during the president’s televised New Year address, with beneficiaries drawn from correctional facilities nationwide.
According to the decree, 4,656 inmates convicted of minor offences were pardoned, while sentences were reduced for 2,656 prisoners with remaining jail terms of 36 months or less.
Authorities say the measure is both symbolic and practical, aimed at easing prison overcrowding, with inmates convicted of serious crimes or national security offences excluded.
