Judges Threaten to Resume Strike as New Government Faces Mounting Challenges

The previous strike, planned for 30 days with the possibility of extension, was put on hold due to the electoral process and the establishment of a commission tasked with drafting a bill on judicial financial independence. However, AMJ President Esmeraldo Matavele emphasized that the concerns that prompted the initial strike remain unresolved.

“The previous government failed to address our grievances. We suspended the strike for the elections, but now we will resume negotiations. If the new government shows openness, we can avoid a strike. If not, we will restart our protests,” Matavele told **TORRE.News**.

The judges argue that the judiciary's financial dependence on the executive branch undermines its independence and effectiveness. Additionally, the AMJ warns that the lack of dialogue and inaction on their demands could exacerbate Mozambique’s already fragile social and political stability.

The Chapo administration inherits a litany of structural challenges, including ongoing terrorism in Cabo Delgado, post-electoral unrest, unpaid teacher subsidies, and a broader public service crisis impacting essential sectors like health and education. Compounding these issues is the significant burden of domestic public debt, which limits the government’s ability to deliver rapid solutions during its critical first 100 days in office.

The AMJ’s stance and the mounting challenges highlight the urgency for the new government to demonstrate effective governance and implement measures that restore confidence in Mozambique’s state institutions. Failure to address these pressing issues could deepen existing tensions and hinder the country’s progress.