The President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, this Monday urged Mozambican magistrates to stand firm in their defense of legality, ethics and transparency, at a time when the country is preparing to celebrate Mozambican Judges' Day, marked on May 8.

Speaking in his capacity as the nation's highest magistrate, the Head of State said that "a justice system undermined by corruption is a direct threat to democracy, to citizens' trust in institutions and to the development of our country".

During the ceremony to welcome the Mozambican Association of Judges (AMJ), President Chapo congratulated the magistrates for their selfless work over the years and highlighted the importance of the role played by the class in building the rule of law.

"Congratulations, Mozambican Association of Judges, for honoring your professional class, which is independent and only owes obedience to the law as established by our mother law, the Constitution of the Republic of Mozambique," he said.

Referring to the Symposium to be held on May 8, under the slogan "Mozambican Association of Judges: 20 Years for a Dignified, Respected, Safe Judiciary, Free of Corruption and Committed to Human Rights", the Head of State stressed that these celebrations "couldn't have a more topical slogan", reiterating the need to combat practices that weaken the judicial system.

Recalling the commitment he made when he was inaugurated, the statesman reaffirmed that "justice cannot be a distant promise" and guaranteed that his government is committed to changing the scenario marked by slow proceedings, dissatisfaction among magistrates and threats to judicial integrity.

To this end, he highlighted two priority programs: "Democracy and Participation" and "Strengthening the Prevention and Fight against Corruption and Economic and Financial Crimes".

Within the framework of these programmes, the Executive foresees actions such as the reform of criminal legislation, the creation of the Constitutional Court and the Court of Auditors, the modernization of the penitentiary system and the expansion of judicial mediation to the provinces.

"This goal of ours, Honorable Judges of Law, can only be achieved with your immeasurable commitment to applying the law, administering justice and enforcing its decisions," he said.

President Chapo considered that AMJ's 20 years "not only represent its longevity, but also its unwavering commitment and dedication to the service of justice", recalling that the class has emerged more united and strengthened even in the face of fatal attacks on some of its members.

"If those who murdered judges thought that this noble class was going to crumble, on the contrary, they provoked greater unity and fortification," he said.

At the same ceremony, the president of the AMJ, Esmeraldo Matavele, reaffirmed the judges' commitment to serving with justice, integrity and honesty. He also stressed that "only with a respected and protected judiciary can a truly democratic society be built", reiterating the magistrates' total willingness to continue serving the Republic with rigor, courage and impartiality.

Finally, the President of the Republic reiterated the Executive's priority of resolving the concerns raised by the class, recognizing that "only with a strong, cohesive and law-abiding class of magistrates will our mission of successfully laying the foundations for the economic independence of this Mozambique of ours be fulfilled".

He ended by congratulating all the judges and encouraging them to continue their work with dignity and firmness.

"We congratulate all the members of the Mozambican Judges Association, from Rovuma to Maputo and from Zumbo to Indico, for their constant commitment to consolidating the institution. Congratulations to all! Success! Count on our unconditional support in the challenges that have been set out here," concluded President Chapo.