By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
JIGJIGA,12 September 2026 The Somali Regional State government on Friday released 268 prisoners under a New Year pardon, in a move officials described as an opportunity for the inmates to reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives.
The pardoned prisoners had been held in correctional facilities across the region for various offences. Authorities said those released had met the conditions set by the regional government for the pardon.
A ceremony was held to mark their release, with correctional officials urging the former inmates to make use of the opportunity and avoid actions that could lead them back to prison.
Bashir Ahmed, Commissioner of the Somali Regional State Correctional Police Commission, said the pardon was intended not only to secure the prisoners' release but also to help them reintegrate into society while respecting the law and peaceful coexistence.
“I urge you to uphold the rule of law, stay away from anything that could fuel hatred and divisions within society, and work to ensure that you do not return to the prisons you are leaving today under this pardon,” Ahmed said.
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Officials also called on those released to return to their families and communities and contribute positively to peace and development.
Pardons of this kind are often granted to coincide with major national occasions in Ethiopia and form part of broader efforts to rehabilitate prisoners and give eligible inmates an opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Beyond its symbolic connection to the New Year, the pardon also highlights the role of correctional institutions not only as places of punishment, but as facilities intended to rehabilitate prisoners and prepare them for a peaceful return to society.
The pardoned prisoners will now return to their families and communities, with correctional authorities urging them to use the opportunity to rebuild their lives and avoid conduct that could bring them into conflict with the law again.