Xai-Xai, Mozambique, July 10, 2026 (Lusa) - The director of Mozambique’s Anti-Corruption Office (GCCC) argued on Friday that combating corruption in Africa requires the education of young people who are conscientious and of sound character, maintaining that laws and institutions alone are insufficient.
“No country combats corruption through laws or institutions alone. It combats it, above all, by educating citizens who are aware that honesty is not naivety, but an act of courage, citizenship and patriotism,” said Glória Adamo.
She was speaking in Xai-Xai, the capital of Gaza Province in southern Mozambique, at an event held as part of African Anti-Corruption Day, observed annually on 11 July.
According to Glória Adamo, the future of the African continent depends on the ability to nurture a generation committed to values such as honesty, responsibility and respect for public affairs.
“You are the main agents of the change we desire for Mozambique and for Africa, and so we expect this change from you,” she declared, addressing the young people present.
She also warned that acts of corruption stem from “small acts of leniency” and ethical compromises in everyday life, arguing for the need to foster a culture of integrity.
“Similarly, integrity is also built day by day, through small decisions, the fulfilment of one’s duty, the responsible management of public affairs and the courage to say no to unlawful acts,” she said.
During her speech, Glória Adamo presented figures showing that 583 new cases were registered between January and May this year; when added to the cases carried over from 2025, this brought the total number of cases pending at the GCCC to 1,478.
“During the same period, 399 cases were concluded, of which 277 resulted in indictments being referred to the courts, demonstrating the public prosecutor's office commitment to holding the perpetrators of acts of corruption and related offences to account,” she said.
She attributed the increase in the caseload to the strengthening of the authorities’ institutional capacity to respond.
In April, the attorney general, Américo Letela, criticised the “normalisation” of corruption, arguing that this fosters a culture of tolerance towards illegal acts, in which crime comes to be seen as a legitimate means of furthering individual interests.
On the same occasion, the judge revealed that 236 cases of financial offences committed by public officials had been recorded in 2025, with the authorities ordering the recovery of more than €5.6 million and imposing fines totalling €511,000.
Also in April, Mozambique launched the Intervention and Awareness Group (GRIS), comprising nine members, with the aim of encouraging citizens to participate in the fight against corruption and promoting safe reporting within communities, schools and public institutions.
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