In a ceremony held on September 25, 2026, at the Abéché prison, 42 inmates received their certificates of definitive release. The event was presided over by Djingar Gaspard, Secretary General of the Ouaddaï province, representing the government's delegate. This move is part of a broader presidential decree aimed at granting collective pardons. A total of 175 inmates from the Abéché prison are benefiting from this measure, with 42 being released definitively and 133 others having their sentences reduced.
The presidential decree, numbered 2151 and dated August 14, 2026, provides for the collective remission of sentences. This decree is a significant gesture of clemency, aimed at giving inmates a second chance. The director of the Abéché prison, Ahmat Aboulfathi, congratulated the beneficiaries, urging them to learn from their past experiences and make the most of this new opportunity. He emphasized the importance of reintegrating into society and starting anew.
During the ceremony, Moussa Issa, the first deputy prosecutor of the Republic, and Khalifa Adamou Boubakari, the first deputy prosecutor general near the court of appeal, offered words of advice to the beneficiaries. They stressed the importance of respecting the law, avoiding recidivism, and working towards their reintegration into society. Their counsel aimed to guide the released inmates towards a path of rehabilitation and responsible living.
Djingar Gaspard, Secretary General of the Ouaddaï province, addressed the 42 beneficiaries who received their certificates of definitive release. He encouraged them to view this measure as a new chance, urging them to reconnect with their families and the community. Gaspard's message was one of hope and renewal, emphasizing the importance of making the most of this second chance.
The ceremony concluded with the official handover of certificates to the beneficiaries. These documents symbolize the end of their detention period and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. For the released inmates, this marks a significant milestone, offering them a chance to rebuild and reintegrate into society.
This release is part of a larger effort to decongest prisons and provide relief to inmates. In related news, 43 inmates in the Batha region and 249 inmates in the Tandjilé region have also benefited from collective pardons. These gestures reflect the government's efforts to address prison overcrowding and offer second chances to those who have been incarcerated.
The event in Abéché highlights the ongoing efforts of the Chadian government to reform its justice system and provide opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration. As the beneficiaries begin their new lives, they will be expected to contribute positively to their communities. The success of these initiatives will be closely watched, as they aim to reduce recidivism and promote social cohesion.
Key points
- 42 inmates from Abéché prison in Chad's Ouaddaï province receive certificates of definitive release
- A total of 175 inmates from the Abéché prison are benefiting from the presidential decree, with 133 having their sentences reduced
- The Chadian government's collective pardon initiative aims to decongest prisons and provide second chances to inmates
