The government, through Prime Minister Adriano Maleiane, this Monday (16) highlighted the importance of the new measures to modernise the justice system, underlining the importance of the recent approval of Law no. 8/2024, of 7 June, which establishes the legal regime for the electronic processing of legal proceedings and creates the Justice Sector Technology Management Centre.
Speaking during the 4th National Lawyers’ Conference in Mozambique, Maleiane explained that the new law aims to improve the functioning of the administration of justice system in the country, tackling challenges such as lengthy court proceedings.
‘This law improves and strengthens the functioning of the administration of justice system in the country, helping to eliminate obstacles such as the length of judicial proceedings,’ he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the need for lawyers to be continually trained, emphasising the importance of being prepared to keep up with technological and legal changes. ‘Young efficiency is challenged to be increasingly innovative, committed to the fundamental values and principles of ethics and justice,’ he emphasised.
During the same conference, the president of the Mozambican Bar Association (OAM), Carlos Martins, mentioned the need for reforms in the justice sector, saying that the system should reflect Mozambique’s cultural diversity and be accessible to citizens.
‘We must move towards a justice system that reflects the true cultural mosaic, and with procedures that bring citizens closer to justice and its credibility,’ argued Martins.
The modernisation of the sector and the commitment to democratic values dominated the discussions during the event. Participants emphasised the need for a strong, independent legal profession, free from political, social and economic pressures.
Closing his speech, Maleiane emphasised the importance of the role of lawyers in modern society. ‘The role of the lawyer has never been as crucial as it is today, marked by globalisation and rapid technological growth.’
‘The creation of the OAM in 1994 was a milestone in strengthening the democratic rule of law in the country’
For his part, the former Mozambican President, Joaquim Chissano, guest of honour at the event, also addressed the role of the OAM, highlighting the importance of the creation of the body in 1994 as a milestone in strengthening the democratic rule of law in the country.
‘Our satisfaction becomes even greater when we bear in mind that this conference coincides with the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the creation of OAM, which took place in September 1994,’ said Chissano.
The former Mozambican President also mentioned the importance of the Bar Association in strengthening the administration of justice and pointed out some concerns about the behaviour of some lawyers.
‘Society recognises the fundamental role of the OAM in promoting justice, but there have been concerns about less than dignified behaviour on the part of some members,’ he concluded, praising the measures taken by the body to maintain its credibility.
The 4th National Conference of Lawyers of Mozambique is a three-day event (from 16 to 18), which is part of the celebrations for OAM’s 30th anniversary, marked on 14 September.
Florença Nhabinde
