The Government argues that individual responsibility is decisive in combating corruption, warning that the biggest barrier to integrity in the country continues to be human behaviour—not the lack of legal instruments. The position was presented by the Minister of State Administration and Public Service, Inocêncio Impissa, at the launch of the National Week of Reflection on Corruption.
The minister stressed that preventing this phenomenon requires society to acknowledge that all citizens play a fundamental role. “What is failing is not the laws or the institutions. It is us. Each of us thinks the fight against corruption must start with someone else, not with ourselves,” said Inocêncio Impissa.
He warned that the normalisation of small corrupt acts has weakened the collective ability to identify illicit behaviour. “We call bribes refreshments or tips to soften the wrongdoing. This makes us blind to practices that harm the country and weaken public services,” he noted, reinforcing the need for a change in attitudes.
Also present at the event, the Deputy Director of the Central Office for Combating Corruption (GCCC), Násimo Moussa, described corruption as a direct threat to development and institutional stability. “Corruption is not only a legal offence; it is a social and moral phenomenon that distorts opportunities, weakens institutions, and compromises the future of younger generations,” he said.
Násimo Moussa added that prevention relies on ethical education and closer engagement between citizens and institutions. “Promoting integrity requires strengthening the culture of responsibility and public service. Prevention begins in schools, families, and communities,” he stressed, reminding that “every act of integrity counts”.
Inocêncio Impissa added that the Government has been strengthening mechanisms for preventing and fighting corruption, including the creation of the Inspectorate-General of the State and the implementation of a national integrity strategy. “No mechanism will be enough if each citizen does not take responsibility. Integrity must be a personal value, not just an institutional one,” he said.
Young participants actively joined the discussion, raising concerns about slow service delivery, difficulties in accessing finance, and practices that undermine the credibility of the State. According to the minister, these reflections should guide future actions. “Improving service delivery and strengthening ethics in the public sector are essential to restoring trust. If each person plays their part, Mozambique will take firm steps towards a dignified and transparent State,” he concluded.
Source: AIM (Mozambique News Agency)
