Presidential pardon: 1511 prisoners released
Published on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 10:00 PM
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(Togo Official) - The President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, has officially granted presidential pardons to 1,511 convicts. The measure,announced a few weeks agoduring the State of the Nation address before Parliament, was adopted by decree following the Council of Ministers meeting on December 30.
Among the 1511 prisoners who immediately regain their freedom are people serving long sentences, the elderly, those incarcerated for minor offenses, or those seriously ill.
While it helps to enhance the joy of the festive season in the families concerned, the measure allows the country to reduce its prison population and to meet its international commitments regarding justice and human rights. https://www.republiquetogolaise.com/justice/3112-11463-grace-presidentielle-1511-detenus-liberes
January 2 -
“Your Excellency, President Faure Gnassingbé . . . . As we start the New Year, I commend you on taking action towards this as you promised in your speech before Congress on December 3, 2025, and then reiterated on December 30 in your end-of-year message announcing the release of 1,511 prisoners. It has been reported that already about seventy (70) of the one hundred and thirty (130) to one hundred and fifty (150) political prisoners and prisoners of conscience have been released. I therefore welcome this development and commend you for swiftly taking concrete action and we look forward to the release of those remaining in detention.”
- Siphiwe Baleka, Letter to H.E. President Faure Gnassingbé
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM PYRAMIDE IN ENGLISH AND FRENCH
To: Mr. Sikiwe Siphiwe Baleka
Coordinator, New Afrikan Diplomatic and Civil Service Corps
Afrodescendant Theocratic Special Envoy & Reparations Expert
It is with deep respect and sincere admiration that I extend my warmest greetings to you at the beginning of this new year.
I wish to commend your courageous and principled intervention during the 9th Pan-African Congress, where you powerfully raised your voice in defense of political prisoners and firmly called for a general amnesty—a necessary step toward justice, reconciliation, and lasting peace.
Your commitment embodies the noble struggle for dignity, justice, and historical reparation for African and Afro-descendant peoples. Your leadership honors the legacy of our ancestors and inspires present and future generations.
As we enter this new year, I extend to you my heartfelt wishes for good health, strength, wisdom, and success in all your endeavors.
May the Almighty guide, protect, and sustain you as you continue your vital mission in service of truth, freedom, and justice.
With highest respect and fraternal regards.
Che Alphonse Hellu Lawson
Leader of PYRAMIDE