The president-elect of the Mozambican Bar Association (OAM), Thera Dai, stated that Southern Africa continues to face armed conflicts, political instability, restrictions on civic space, institutional fragility, and challenges to the independence of the judiciary, arguing that regional integration requires strong judicial institutions and an effective rule of law.
Speaking at the opening of the 25th Annual Conference of the SADC Lawyers’ Association (SADCLA), the President noted that the region’s current challenges require a legal profession that is more proactive and committed to defending justice.
“We continue to face armed conflicts, political instability, restrictions on civic space, persistent inequalities, institutional fragility, and growing challenges to the independence of the judiciary. In several countries in our region, the courts are under pressure. Journalists are intimidated. Human rights defenders are persecuted. And, all too often, it is lawyers who remain the last line of defense between citizens and the abuse of power,” she stated.
According to the president-elect of the Bar Association, the conference should go beyond academic discussion and make concrete commitments to strengthening the legal profession in the region. “This conference cannot be limited to an academic or ceremonial exercise. It must articulate a vision. It must produce commitments. It must mark a new phase for the legal profession in Southern Africa,” she stated.
In her remarks, she argued that deeper regional integration depends on the consolidation of justice and legal certainty. “There is no true regional integration without justice. There is no sustainable economic integration without legal certainty. There is no regional rule of law without strong judicial institutions. And there is no trust among states, investors, and citizens when the rights recognized by treaties no longer find a court capable of protecting them,” she stated.
The Bar Association President devoted a significant portion of her speech to the need to revitalize the SADC Court, noting that the suspension of the former regional court continues to impact the protection of citizens’ rights. “The former SADC Court was a historic milestone in the affirmation of Community Law. Its suspension created a void that is still felt today. For more than a decade, Southern Africa remained virtually without a regional court accessible to citizens for the defense of rights arising from Community Law,” she said.
“SADCLA cannot limit itself to organizing conferences. It cannot limit itself to issuing statements. It cannot limit itself to reacting to events.”
Thera Dai – Elected President of the OAM
He added that the lack of a functioning regional court has profound consequences for the region. “Today, millions of people in Southern Africa lack an effective regional mechanism through which they can file complaints regarding human rights violations or breaches of the rule of law. This void has profound consequences.
Without a functioning and accessible court, the principles of legality are weakened, trust in institutions is eroded, and the ability to hold states accountable for their actions is limited. This void is not merely legal. It is an institutional void. It is a democratic void. It is a void of trust,” he stated.
Given this scenario, she advocated for the creation of an independent regional court. “Therefore, the revitalization of an independent, credible, and effective regional court is not merely a professional interest of the legal community. It is an imperative for consolidating the rule of law, strengthening regional integration, and ensuring the credibility of SADC institutions,” she declared.
The Bar Association President also stated that “the time has come to reposition” SADCLA, arguing that the organization must take on a more active role in the region’s institutional development. “SADCLA cannot limit itself to organizing conferences. It cannot limit itself to issuing statements. It cannot limit itself to reacting to events. It must influence the region’s institutional development.” “It must assert itself as the leading legal voice in Southern Africa. It must lead regional legal thought. It must defend the independence of the courts. It must protect lawyers who are persecuted for practicing their profession. It must actively contribute to the establishment of a SADC Court that meets the legitimate aspirations of the citizens of our region,” she stated.
Concluding her remarks, the President of the Bar Association argued that the legal profession in Southern Africa must fully embrace its historical responsibility. “Future generations will not ask how many conferences we held. They will ask whether we had the courage to defend institutions when they most needed defending. They will ask if we were able to strengthen the independence of the legal profession. They will ask if we contributed to restoring a true regional justice system to Southern Africa. They will ask if we lived up to our historic responsibility,” she concluded.
Thera Rosalina Joaquim Dai was elected President of the Mozambican Bar Association (OAM) in April 2026, becoming the first woman to lead the institution since its creation 32 years ago. Elected for the 2026–2029 term, Dai succeeds attorney Carlos Martins after winning the election with 783 votes in a race that also included Stayleir Marroquim, Pedro Macaringue, and Samuel
Source: Diário Económico
