The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, has enacted a general amnesty for 713 prisoners who were convicted of minor offenses. This decision, announced through a presidential decree, allows these inmates to be released from custody and comes as a gesture of clemency from the government. The amnesty is based on the provisions outlined in Article 90(5) of Somaliland's Constitution, which empowers the head of state to grant pardons or clemency measures as deemed appropriate.

The presidential decree was issued following a thorough review process, which included an official letter from the Commander of the Custodial Corps and a recommendation from the Attorney General of the Republic. This indicates that the decision was not made lightly but rather involved consultations and careful consideration of the implications for the justice system. The date of the recommendations suggests that the process leading to this decision began several weeks prior to the decree's announcement.

This clemency act aligns with ongoing efforts within Somaliland to address issues within the penal system and reflect a more rehabilitative approach to justice, particularly for inmates whose offenses are considered minor. By granting this amnesty, the Somaliland government aims to alleviate overcrowding in prisons and provide opportunities for social reintegration for those convicted of lesser crimes. Such initiatives could have significant social impacts, signaling a shift towards more progressive criminal justice practices in the region.