Por Rui Lamarques
Maputo (MOZTIMES) - On Thursday, I witnessed an incident that reflects the profound changes we are experiencing in Mozambique: a vehicle belonging to the National Economic Activities Inspectorate (INAE) was set on fire during what was reportedly an inspection tainted by extortion.
This act, though regrettable, highlights the growing dissatisfaction with extortion and abuse of power that have long characterized public services. It is yet another sign that people are demanding respect and change.
In this new normal, acts of extortion and other forms of abuse are being confronted more aggressively. Public servants who previously operated with relative impunity—such as inspectors, police officers, and even staff from the Mozambique Electricity Company (EDM) —now face stiffer resistance. The streets, once arenas for extortion disguised as oversight, have become riskier for those who persist in these practices.
However, this transformative reality brings a clear risk: the absence of oversight and social control could open the door to criminal activity. Without security forces present in strategic locations, there is a greater likelihood of violence and chaos. Unpatrolled streets become fertile ground for criminals, and the lack of police officers committed to order can lead to an escalation in insecurity.
Take, for example, the police officers who were once ubiquitous on the roads, often extorting money from minibus drivers and other motorists. Today, their presence is increasingly rare—not because the problems have disappeared, but because the risk of direct confrontation with an exasperated population has become too high.
Minibus drivers, known for shortening their routes and disregarding passengers, are also under scrutiny. The “new normal” no longer tolerates behavior that prioritizes profit over respect for ordinary citizens.
This transformation is not just a temporary adjustment; it is a recalibration of the relationship between power and the people. Those who continue to exploit, abuse, and extort must face the harsh reality of a society no longer willing to be silently oppressed.
Similarly, it is impossible to ignore criticism of the Tax Authority, where it has become commonplace to see employees more focused on amassing illicit gains than on ensuring fair fiscal administration. The presence of these agents symbolized a corrupt system that is no longer tolerated. Reforming this system will be crucial, but it will also require time and coordinated action.
Despite everything, the new normal must seek a balance between eradicating abuses and maintaining order. The fight against corruption and extortion cannot mean the absence of state authority on the streets. For the country to prosper, authorities must reform and align themselves with the people's interests while fulfilling their responsibility to maintain order and security.
In other words, as much as these radical actions may cause discomfort, they force us to reflect: are we ready for a Mozambique where public service truly serves the people? Or will we continue to cling to a system where power is used for personal gain? What is clear is that the old normal no longer has a place here. We are in uncharted territory, and it is up to all of us—public servants, citizens, and leaders—to decide what kind of society we want to build from this transformative chaos. (RL)
