By HAN News Desk
LOME — The President of Togo has granted a presidential pardon to a group of Somali nationals who had been imprisoned in the West African nation, following an official appeal from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somali officials said.
The pardon comes after Somalia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ali Balcad, delivered a formal message from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to the Togolese government during a recent diplomatic visit to Lomé. The request reportedly called for the release of the Somali detainees on humanitarian and fraternal grounds.
According to Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the freed prisoners have now safely returned to Somalia. The Director of African Affairs at the ministry, Abdulqadir Burgal, confirmed that the individuals were received upon arrival and reunited with their families.
“The release of our citizens is a result of constructive diplomatic engagement and the growing friendship between Somalia and Togo,” said Mr. Burgal in a brief statement to state media in Mogadishu.
While Somali officials did not disclose the number of prisoners released or the circumstances of their detention, diplomatic sources in Mogadishu described the development as a “positive step” that reflects improved cooperation between Somalia and African nations beyond the Horn of Africa region.
The Togolese authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the pardon. However, sources familiar with the matter say the decision followed weeks of discussions between diplomats from both countries aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and mutual understanding.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government has recently intensified efforts to engage with African partners, seeking to enhance regional solidarity and support for Somali nationals abroad — including those in detention or facing legal challenges.
Observers say the move by Togo underscores the importance of African diplomatic dialogue and solidarity, as both nations continue to explore broader cooperation in areas such as education, trade, and migration.
