LUSAKA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Friday pardoned 2,182 inmates from different prisons across the country as part of commemoration of the African Freedom Day which falls on May 25.

Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo said among those pardoned include 2,032 ordinary inmates, 29 females with children born in prisons, 31 aged inmates and 25 foreigners convicted for various offenses.

He said during press briefing that the pardoning of the inmates was in line with powers vested in the Zambian leader in the constitution.

He said the pardoned inmates represent about 10 percent of the total prison population which stand at 22,000 against the holding capacity of 9,000.

According to him, prison authorities and inmates have expressed gratitude to the Zambian leader as the move will result in decongestion.