Maputo — Mozambican President Armando Guebuza on Thursday swore into office Lucia do Amaral and Irene Afonso as Assistant Attorney-Generals.

Amaral was a judge on the Constitutional Council from 2004 until earlier this year, while Afonso was an advisor in the Attorney-General's office. Both were appointed on the proposal of the Higher Council of the Public Prosecutor's Office. They bring the number of Assistant Attorney-Generals up to six.

Speaking at the ceremony, Guebuza stressed the fundamental role of the Attorney-General's Office in defending the legal order, promoting observance of the law, and guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of citizens.

He stressed that the fight against crime, particularly corruption, is a strategic priority in building a society of peace, social justice and prosperity. Corruption, he declared, is an evil that damages the rights of citizens, and creates serious obstacles to development.

"Corrupt practices have negative implications for the levels of trust of citizens in their state", Guebuza said. "They inhibit the emergence of a favourable environment for investment, and for the establishment and affirmation of the private sector".

He praised the efforts made by the current Attorney-General, Augusto Paulino, and his team in the fight against crime. "We think that this strengthening in human resources will make an important contribution to the growing effectiveness of this institution in the services it provides", he said.

Speaking to reporters, Irene Afonso said the fight against corruption is a challenge "for all of us".

Asked about the lowly position occupied by Mozambique in the latest report from the international anti-corruption NGO, Transparency International (130th out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perception Index), she said that national and internal reports should serve as guidance for the Attorney-General's Office.

Mozambique's Central Office for the Fight Against Corruption (GCCC) operates out of Paulino's office, and is headed by senior prosecutor Ana Maria Gemo.