On December 9, 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania granted a pardon and sentence reductions to a total of 1,036 prisoners across the country. This move, part of the President’s annual exercise of clemency, aligns with the tradition of the December 9th Presidential Pardon, an event that marks a significant occasion in Tanzania’s calendar.
As per the constitutional powers vested in the Head of State under Article 45(1)(a)-(d) of the Tanzanian Constitution, the President holds the authority to grant pardons and sentence reductions. The tradition, typically observed on the anniversary of the country’s independence, is meant to show mercy and promote the reintegration of offenders into society.
This year’s pardon is a reflection of the government’s ongoing commitment to justice reform, focusing on rehabilitation rather than solely punishment. It is also viewed as an opportunity for prisoners who have shown remorse and good behavior during their incarceration to begin a new chapter in their lives.
The number of prisoners benefitting from this presidential decree includes individuals across various categories, ranging from those convicted for minor offenses to others with more serious charges. However, it is important to note that certain categories of prisoners, such as those convicted for severe crimes like terrorism and human rights violations, were excluded from the pardon.
The pardoning process also includes reductions in sentences for those whose terms were nearing completion or whose offenses were considered minor in nature. The decree aims not only to ease overcrowding in prisons but also to give deserving individuals a second chance at reintegrating into their communities.
This annual act of clemency is also a moment for Tanzanians to reflect on the principles of forgiveness and justice, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation over punitive measures. President Samia’s action continues to solidify her stance on supporting societal reintegration and contributing to the broader vision of a reformed criminal justice system.
As December 9th marked 64 years of Tanzania’s independence, the pardon also serves as a reminder of the nation’s commitment to fairness, equality, and human dignity in all aspects of governance.
The decision has sparked discussions nationwide, with many praising the gesture as a symbol of empathy and the recognition of individual growth and transformation. Critics, however, argue that such decisions should be more transparent and focused on addressing systemic issues within the prison system.
Nonetheless, the annual presidential pardon remains a significant event in Tanzania’s judicial and political landscape, offering a glimpse into the government’s priorities and approach to criminal justice reform.
