By Paul Fauvet, in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa (MOZTIMES) - Mozambican President Daniel Chapo on Thursday declared that the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is "one of the noblest expressions of institutional maturity of our continent".
He was speaking in Addis Ababa at a session of the heads of state of countries who have signed up to the APRM.
The APRM is a voluntary instrument that allows African countries to assess their governance practices and policies. The mandate of the APRM is to ensure that policies and practices of participating Member States conform to the agreed political, economic and corporate governance values, codes and standards contained in the African Union Declaration on Democracy, Political, Economic and Corporate Governance.
As a voluntary self-monitoring instrument, APRM fosters the adoption of policies, standards and practices that are intended to lead to political stability, high economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated regional and continental economic integration through sharing of experiences and best practices, including identifying deficiencies and assessing the needs for capacity building.
"We have the courage to assess what we are achieving, to build a continent with the promise to govern with responsibility, guided by justice with the mission to prosper", stressed Chapo.
As an example of political democracy, Chapo cited the "national inclusive dialogue" under way in Mozambique, resulting from an agreement which Chapo had signed with nine political parties. He repeatedly stressed the government's commitment to "transparency, integrity, responsibility and good governance".
One of Mozambique's achievements in the 2020-2024 period was the demobilisation of the remaining guerrillas of the former rebel movement Renamo. Chapo said he wanted the spirit of inclusion to extend to all Mozambicans.
"When we are talking, we must also seek consensus", he declared.
Chapo added that the fight against corruption is part of the day-to-day life of Mozambicans. He stressed the importance of digitalisation in order to ensure integrity and improve public services. (PF)
