Mozambique: Simultaneous Holding of Parliamentary Positions and State-Owned Company Jobs Raises Concerns

Maputo, Mozambique - The Issue of Conflicts of Interest in Politics and Business

The issue of parliamentary officials holding positions in state-owned companies has come under scrutiny in Mozambique. A recent proposal to establish a Commission for Parliamentary Ethics aims to address conflicts of interest and promote transparency in politics.

History of Corruption and Ineffective Anti-Corruption Measures

• The First Constitutional Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament in January 2013, which would review cases involving MPs and their potential involvement in corruption.
• Despite legislative reforms, corruption remains a significant problem in Mozambique, with international reports indicating that it is perceived as widespread.
• In July 2012, President Guebuza signed into law the Public Integrity Act and the Witness Protection Act, aimed at combating high-level corruption. However, impunity remains a problem, with many feeling that corrupt officials go unpunished.

Lack of Effectiveness in Addressing Corruption

• The National Assembly has been criticized for its lack of effectiveness in addressing corruption.
• Opposition parties have also been accused of not being able to act as an effective check on government policy due to their limited influence.
• The ruling party FRELIMO and President Guebuza have been cited as obstacles to developing effective checks and balances.

Concerns about Conflicts of Interest

• The issue of simultaneous holding of parliamentary positions and state-owned company jobs has raised concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential for corruption.
• Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer 2013 found that:
  • 30% of surveyed households believed that the government’s efforts to fight corruption were ineffective, while only 19% considered them effective.

Acknowledgement of Corruption and Calls for Reform

• Mozambique’s Attorney General, Augusto Paulino, has acknowledged that the public has a legitimate perception that corruption goes unpunished in the country.
• The government has proposed new anti-corruption laws and toughened the Penal Code, but these changes have yet to be implemented.

Steps Towards Addressing Corruption

• The establishment of a Commission for Parliamentary Ethics is seen as a step towards addressing the issue of conflicts of interest and promoting transparency in Mozambican politics.
• However, more needs to be done to combat corruption and promote accountability among government officials.