Ouagadougou: On the occasion of the New Year 2026 celebration, the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, will sign a decree granting remission and commutation of sentences to nine hundred and sixty-three prisoners, AIB learned Thursday from the report of the Council of Ministers.

According to Burkina Information Agency, for the year 2026, three hundred and seventy-two prisoners will benefit from a total remission of the remainder of their sentences, while five hundred and ninety others will obtain a partial remission ranging from three to twelve months. Additionally, one individual sentenced to life imprisonment will benefit from a commutation of sentence.

The measure pertains to prisoners sentenced to fixed terms of imprisonment, as well as those sentenced to life imprisonment whose court decisions have become final. The government indicates that these pardons are part of a humanitarian approach aimed at offering a second chance to convicted individuals who have demonstrated genuine efforts towards rehabilitation and social reintegration.

The selected beneficiaries were chosen based on specific criteria, including age, criminal minority, precarious health status, and involvement in agricultural production units, workshops, and community activities. Emphasis was also placed on prisoners who had applied to have their sentences commuted to community service.

This decree falls within the framework of the right of pardon granted to the Head of State by Article 54 of the Constitution of June 2, 1991, and made applicable by Law No. 010-2017/AN of April 10, 2017, concerning the prison system in Burkina Faso.