Former President Joaquim Chissano has called for the creation of a genuine culture of non-corruption in Mozambique, arguing that the fight against graft must begin with education, behavioural change, and the formation of a collective consciousness capable of rejecting practices that are harmful to the state and society.
Speaking in his capacity as one of the figures associated with Mozambique's peace process, Chissano argued that combating corruption should not be limited to punishing offences after they occur, but must also invest in prevention and education from childhood.
"We need to create a culture. I often speak of a culture of peace, because a culture of peace is when peace lives within us. We must also strive to create a culture of non-corruption," Chissano said.
The remarks come at a time when Mozambique continues to record allegations and cases of corruption, misappropriation of public resources, and alleged irregularities within state institutions, including the recent case involving the National Social Security Institute (INSS).
For Chissano, it is necessary to transform the rejection of corruption into an everyday behaviour, leading society to recognise as harmful to the public interest practices that may still be regarded as normal in some sectors.
The former president acknowledged that corruption is neither a recent phenomenon nor one unique to Mozambique, but maintained that its long history should not prevent the creation of mechanisms capable of reducing its incidence.
In his view, education must play a central role, enabling new generations to understand the effects of corruption on the management of public resources, the functioning of institutions, and the country's development.
Chissano also called for the involvement of older generations in the formation of young people, through the transmission of knowledge and experience that contributes to building more aware and responsible citizens. This change must be gradual and result from ongoing education that enables citizens not only to recognise corrupt practices, but also to reject and report them. The process must involve families, communities, schools, public institutions, and other sectors of society.
For Joaquim Chissano, just as a culture of peace seeks to internalise values of coexistence and stability, a culture of non-corruption must make the rejection of such practices part of the daily behaviour of citizens.
The former president therefore believes that the fight against corruption must go beyond sanctions and institutional declarations, and must also invest in a social transformation grounded in education, prevention, and individual and collective accountability.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=532329
