President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia granted pardons to 859 inmates Thursday in celebration of the nation's 60th anniversary of independence from British colonial control.

Zambia gained independence from British rule in 1964 after being occupied in 1888.

Minister for Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu announced that Hichilema, as commander-in-chief of the Defense Force, exercised his mercy prerogative by pardoning 859 inmates, including 840 ordinary inmates, nine elderly, seven women with circumstantial children, and three foreign nationals.

Mwiimbu added that 808 of those pardoned were men and 51 were women.

Meanwhile, to commemorate the day, Hichilema laid wreaths on the grave of Zambian and African liberation icon Kenneth Kaunda, as well as in honor of fallen heroes at the country's Freedom statue in the capital Lusaka.

He also attended an investiture ceremony to honor those who have made personal sacrifices for national service.

Earlier, the president stated on Facebook that the diamond jubilee was an opportunity to honor the past while also embracing the future with unwavering hope and determination.

In a televised address to the nation on Independence Day eve, Hichilema rallied citizens to address issues impeding national progress, including climate change, poverty, and corruption.