Number of pending court cases falls – aimnews.org

Maputo, 27 Mar (AIM) – The president of the Supreme Court of Mozambique, Adelino Muchanga, revealed that the number of cases pending under the country’s legislation fell by 4.8 percent in the last year.

According to Muchanga, who was speaking at the opening of the justice sector evaluation meeting, which assesses the results achieved throughout 2025 and the main challenges facing the functioning of the courts, the number of pending cases fell from 150,229 in 2024 to 142,641 at the end of December 2025.

“In the period under review, the courts closed 183,309 cases, a number below the expected target of 202,166 cases,” he said.

However, in the same period, 175,721 cases were initiated, which means that the courts were able to resolve more cases than were filed throughout the year.

“175,721 cases were archived and 183,309 closed, which demonstrates a significant effort to reduce the volume of pending cases,” said Muchanga.

He explained that these results were achieved in a particularly challenging context for the judicial system, marked by economic difficulties and resource limitations.

“In a context of financial difficulties, we are witnessing a significant increase in legal conflicts, where companies face bankruptcy, workers fight for their rights and families struggle with debts and misunderstandings”, he stated.

He added that, in this scenario, courts become spaces where citizens seek justice, balance and hope.

Muchanga warned that the judicial system simultaneously faces serious constraints, mainly related to the scarcity of human and material resources.

“The scarcity of resources contrasts with the overload of cases and structural limitations that make it difficult to respond quickly and effectively to society’s expectations,” he stated.

Despite these challenges, he stressed that justice must continue to be a fundamental pillar of the rule of law.

“In times of crisis, justice cannot and should not fail. On the contrary, it must assert itself as a guarantor of rights, order and hope for a better future”, he declared.

To improve the sector’s performance, Muchanga called for the modernization of the Judiciary, the strengthening of training for legal professionals, the improvement of judicial infrastructures and the investment in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as judicial mediation.

Another point under analysis at the meeting is the proposal for a strategy to prevent and combat corruption in the courts.

“Where there is corruption, there is no true justice, only the appearance of justice,” Muchanga said.
(AIM)
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