Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara has pardoned 51 prisoners held for committing violence and crimes “against national security” during the country’s post-2010 election crisis.
The West African country descended into violence after incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo refused to hand over power to Mr Ouattara, who was declared the winner of a disputed run-off by the electoral body.
According to a Human Rights Watch report, more than 3,000 people were killed and more than 150 women were sexually abused during the crisis, which lasted from November 2010 to April 2011.
Among the pardoned criminals is General Bruno Dogbo Bure, a senior military official under Mr Gbagbo.
He heads the elite Republican Guard and is accused of carrying out several murders.
The stance of pardoning the perpetrators is part of President Ouattara’s “determination to work resolutely for the consolidation of peace,” AFP news agency reported, citing an official statement.