Maputo, Mozambique — Prime Minister Pascoal Mocumbi has described an on-going review of the Mozambique's justice system as pivotal to the country's development.

Speaking Wednesday at a seminar on how to strengthen the judiciary in Mozambique, Modumbi argued that the absence of justice breeds insecurity, which in turn engenders uncertainty.

Without a clear organisation of the ministry, "fear and insecurity gain ground, and investors become reluctant", he said, warning "all this has an impact on the dynamic that we want to apply to the process of recovery, growth and national development."

The seminar was the culmination of a process embarked upon since 1999 for a complete and integrated strategy for the country's justice system.

The reorganisation of the justice system aims fundamentally at strengthening and consolidating the independence of the courts, and ensuring that all the organs of state power work properly.

The government also wants to consolidate and expand legal assistance and legal sponsorship to poor citizens, particularly regarding their right to defence in criminal cases.

Mocumbi argued that the full enjoyment of the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Mozambican constitution demands of all citizens a struggle against crime and against violations of legality.

Attorney-General Joaquim Madeira, who also spoke at the seminar, reckoned it was imperative to establish a common forum to discuss the administration of justice in Mozambique.