On New Year’s Eve 2025, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye granted an exceptional pardon to 1,223 detainees. This decision, announced by the Ministry of Justice, illustrates a republican tradition aimed at offering a second chance to certain prisoners. Among the beneficiaries are people considered rehabilitated, seriously ill people, minors and primary detainees.
Presidential pardon in Senegal: a republican tradition in the service of humanity
In accordance with the Senegalese Constitution, the president has the power of pardon to reduce or cancel sentences. This initiative, announced on December 31, 2024, specifically concerns vulnerable categories. The official statement indicates that “the prisoners concerned are first offenders, people with prospects of social reintegration, seriously ill people or minors”.
This gesture meets a dual objective: to lighten prisons and encourage the reintegration of prisoners into their families and communities.
The presidential pardon is part of a humanist vision which recognizes the difficulties encountered by these individuals and aims to give them an opportunity to integrate into society. These regular initiatives demonstrate the desire of the Senegalese government to promote dignity and social values.
For released prisoners, this measure represents a new beginning. The Senegalese authorities emphasize that these individuals benefit from monitoring to facilitate their reintegration. The choice to prioritize seriously ill people, minors and elderly prisoners is also part of a supportive approach.
Senegal thus confirms its commitment to combining justice and humanity, in an approach that reflects the fundamental social values of the country. This decision, on the eve of the New Year celebrations, also illustrates a message of hope and renewal for these individuals and their loved ones.
Senegal
