- Mozambique faces endemic levels of corruption and must move from words to concrete actions
By MOZTIMES
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – President Daniel Chapo stated on Monday that prosecutors must focus on fighting corruption and financial crimes by holding public officials accountable for the misuse of state funds.
Chapo was speaking in Maputo during the swearing-in ceremony of Vice Attorney-General Irene Uthui and three Deputy Attorney-Generals, Mário Sevene, Firmino Emílio and Eduardo Sumana.
The President said that the system for the administration of justice faces complex challenges, especially in tackling crimes such as terrorism and its financing, international drug trafficking, kidnappings, money laundering, illegal immigration and cybercrime – all of which require strong commitment from magistrates.
"Therefore, as magistrates of the Public Prosecutor's Office, you must also focus your attention on promoting actions to prevent and combat corruption, a phenomenon that hinders our country's development and undermines public trust in state institutions," Chapo said.
As targets, the President said he aims to see the implementation level of the Public Administration's Anti-Corruption Strategy rise from 25% to 75%, and the percentage of corruption cases prosecuted, out of the total recorded, increase from 72% to over 81%.
Mozambique is experiencing endemic levels of corruption in both the public administration and the private sector. The Government's response has been weak, despite repeated rhetoric. Since his January inauguration speech, Chapo has consistently emphasised the need for a strong fight against corruption, but no concrete measures have been seen so far.
MOZTIMES has already exposed two clear cases of corruption involving the Tax Authority and the Roads Fund, based on investigative journalism. However, to date, there has been no public reaction from the relevant authorities.
For the fight against corruption to be effective, it is essential to move from words to concrete actions. (MT)
