How the opening of the 2026 Judicial Year took place in Niassa Province

The Provincial Secretary of Niassa, Silva Levoni, presided this Monday, January 2, over the opening ceremony of the Judicial Year, held at the IFAPA facilities. In his speech, Levoni emphasized that this year’s theme, “Protect the Child,” will only become a reality if, first and foremost, children’s parents are protected.

According to the official, judicial decisions have a direct impact on society, especially on the lives of children. He therefore urged judges to rule with conscience, based on the law and justice, warning that unjust decisions deprive citizens of their freedom and cause children to suffer.

Levoni went further by calling on magistrates and justice sector operators to reflect deeply—and even pray before issuing arrest warrants or ordering effective imprisonment, so that their decisions may be fair.

“This is a power that God has granted you. Use it based on the law and God’s justice,” he stressed.

The Provincial Secretary also warned that unjust imprisonments and decisions that are out of touch with society open the door to corruption, a situation which, he said, cannot be allowed to continue.

Silva Levoni acknowledged that judicial rulings influence political, economic, and social life, which is why he defended greater coexistence and coordination between justice sector institutions and local government, especially at district level.

In his speech, he reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and children, starting with adults, and issued a clear warning to criminals involved in assaults, robberies, and acts of violence, stating that the authorities will intensify the fight against such crimes.

Levoni also advocated for a more inclusive, swift, and effective justice system, calling on courts to cease being “graveyards of cases.” He further requested greater cooperation among institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Office, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM), SERNIC, the courts, and other justice sector bodies.

Among the commitments announced was the construction of female detention cells in prisons and police stations, including in locations where they do not yet exist.

For her part, the Governor of Niassa Province, Helena Judite Massengele, expressed the hope that the 2026 Judicial Year will be marked by fairer decisions, faster processes, and increased public confidence in the justice system, contributing to social stability and the sustainable development of the province and the country.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Chief Prosecutor, Eduarda Thay, called for the collaboration of all stakeholders in promoting and fully protecting children’s rights, encouraging the reporting of all cases involving violations of those rights.

The Deputy President Judge, Hélder Rodrigues, reinforced that this year’s theme calls on society as a whole to view the child not merely as someone to be protected, but as a holder of rights, whose dignity and integrity must be guaranteed by the State, the family, the community, and especially the judicial system.

A more humane, fair, and citizen-centered justice system was the main message delivered at the opening of the 2026 Judicial Year in Niassa. (Ma Mataka)