Ombudsman Isaque Chande: “The Ombudsman is the voice and guardian of the voiceless.”

Pemba, Cabo Delgado – September, 2025
The Office of the Ombudsman of Justice has officially inaugurated its first provincial delegation in Cabo Delgado, marking a historic milestone in expanding justice services across Mozambique. Thirteen years after its institutionalization, the Ombudsman’s Office has established a local presence to strengthen citizen access to justice and promote the defense of rights, particularly in a region deeply affected by terrorism since 2017.

The new delegation was launched under the Program Promoting Access to Justice, implemented with the National Commission for Human Rights and the Institute for Multiparty Democracy (IMD), with financial support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The ceremony, attended by the Secretary of State for Cabo Delgado Fernando de Sousa, Ambassador of the Netherlands Elsbeth Akkerman, government officials, civil society leaders, and community representatives, began with a traditional invocation of local spirits in honor of community practices.

After unveiling the plaque and cutting the ribbon, Ombudsman Isaque Chande highlighted that the delegation will improve relations between citizens and public institutions.

“The Ombudsman of Justice is the voice and guardian of the voiceless, the mediator between public powers and the citizens. We want to ensure respect for legality, dialogue, and human dignity,” Chande stated.

He urged public institutions to abandon bad practices such as indifference and delays in addressing citizens’ concerns, while encouraging citizens to seek the Ombudsman whenever their rights are violated.

IMD Executive Director Hermenegildo Mulhovo emphasized that the delegation’s opening symbolizes more than new infrastructure.

“It represents a firm step to bring justice closer to citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as women and girls. Let this space be a true center of service, listening, and guidance for those who need it most,” he said.

As part of the inauguration, the Ombudsman’s Office also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Child Talk Line (116), establishing a direct reporting mechanism to protect children from abuse and violence.

The new delegation signals the Ombudsman’s commitment to decentralization and citizen-centered governance, reinforcing the principles of accountability, justice, and inclusion in Cabo Delgado and beyond.