President Daniel Chapo, on Tuesday, November 4, in Maputo, acknowledged the “selfless work” and crucial role of justice administration bodies in upholding legality. He lamented that the destruction of 500 companies and the deaths of more than 400 people during the demonstrations that began in October last year diverted scarce resources that could have driven the country’s development.
“We want to acknowledge the selfless work of the justice administration bodies which, despite numerous challenges, perform their duties under difficult conditions but with a high sense of responsibility, competence, and duty,” said Daniel Chapo, as he paid tribute to justice sector professionals on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of Legality Day, marked on November 5.
The Head of State stressed that legality is a fundamental principle for consolidating a democratic rule of law and ensuring a balanced relationship between the State and citizens, grounded in the legal framework and the Constitution of the Republic. He emphasized that justice institutions must ensure respect for the law and combat all forms of illegality, including crime.
“We refer to all law enforcement agents, especially judges, prosecutors, police officers, immigration and penitentiary agents, lawyers, public defenders, legal scholars, and all those who work to ensure that laws are known, respected, and applied,” the President highlighted.
Recalling the historical meaning of the commemoration, Daniel Chapo reaffirmed the need to place justice at the service of citizens “who see in it the guarantee of the defense of their rights and fundamental freedoms,” adding that it “must be swift and timely, without compromising the quality of judicial processes and decisions.”
The President lamented that the celebration takes place while the country still faces “public security challenges” following the unrest sparked by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who refuses to recognize the results of the October 9, 2024, elections. “All these actions, harmful to social harmony and the proper functioning of institutions, occurred due to the lack of respect for legality,” he stressed.
Daniel Chapo also warned of the persistence of “highly complex challenges,” such as kidnappings, drug, organ and human trafficking, terrorism, corruption, money laundering, crimes against wildlife and flora, vigilantism, and road accidents, which require a “coordinated and firm” response from justice institutions.
“We continue to firmly uphold that peace, justice, and legality are essential and inalienable values for our development,” the President stated, calling for a “faster, more efficient, and transparent” justice system. He also underlined the importance of investing in quality training for justice professionals and raising citizens’ awareness about the need to cooperate with authorities and respect the law.
Source: Lusa
