JOURNAL OF THE PEOPLE: DECREE 1/2025 OF JANUARY 17TH

JOURNAL OF THE PEOPLE
This Decree comes into effect on January 20, 2025, and is mandatory for all public and private institutions, including the Illegitimate Government.

Decree 1/2025 of January 17th

Preamble

Mozambique is experiencing its final revolutionary moments. Over nearly 50 years, successive FRELIMO governments have failed to govern the state in a way that could meet the people’s aspirations, including providing services such as justice, security, and well-being. Under the 1990 Constitution, this regime captured the state through electoral fraud and maintains it through assassinations of political dissenters and physical, social, and economic violence.
The people, weary of oppression, have initiated a revolutionary movement to reclaim popular power. Within this framework of popular demand, the President elected by the people, exercising the legitimacy of his title and on behalf of the People's Government, has decreed 30 social and economic measures to alleviate the cost of living for Mozambicans. These measures aim not only to enable economic recovery for Mozambican families but also to initiate a process of social stability.

Current Scenario and Gains from the People's Struggle

The autocratic FRELIMO regime, using military and paramilitary forces, once again violated the will expressed at the ballot box to perpetuate oppression. As of this decree’s publication, 75 days of demonstrations have passed—a historic milestone in 50 years. The people have already achieved gains, such as:

1. The struggle has transcended the leadership of Venâncio Mondlane, becoming the people's fight.
2. For the first time in Mozambique's history, national unity is materializing, with citizens from Rovuma to Maputo singing the national anthem together, banging pots, or mourning collectively.
3. The belief that "This Country is Ours" has become ingrained in Mozambicans, reinforcing that it is up to them to reclaim their country.
4. Mozambique has positioned itself as an international example of bravery and the fight for justice, human rights, and democracy.
5. As a result, FRELIMO has lost its monopoly as Mozambique’s interlocutor with the world. No one will trust a tyrant anymore, as the regime's bloody saga is widely exposed.
6. Nationally, toll fees are no longer being paid, as they are deemed illegal, unconstitutional, and emblematic of the economic exploitation of this oppressive regime. 

Government Measures for the People

To safeguard the positive outcomes of the struggle for the sovereignty of the people, it is essential to decree and implement further measures that extend the benefits to more Mozambicans. This initiative, dubbed by Engineer Venâncio Mondlane as the "Second Struggle for Independence" (this time against the Black Colonizer), relies on the legitimacy conferred by the people during the October 9, 2024 elections. The elected President of Mozambique, His Excellency Venâncio António Bila Mondlane, on behalf of the People's Government, decrees the following:

Decree 1/2025, January 17, 2025

1. Immediate cessation of violence by the Rapid Intervention Unit (UIR)

The UIR must immediately stop violence against the population and the silent genocide carried out by the SERNIC and GOE units. The President is aware that these units engage in illegal raids on opposition members' homes, conducting abductions, interrogations, violence, rape, and murder. All such activities must cease immediately.

2. Release of detained protesters

All individuals detained during demonstrations—currently over 4,000 nationwide—must be released unconditionally. Their continued detention is illegal, unconstitutional, and against democratic principles and freedom of expression. This release must occur within three weeks to prevent further public unrest.

3. Free medical care for victims

The state must cover all medical and psychological costs for those injured during demonstrations. As the police were responsible for the injuries, the government must ensure medical care for victims and their families.

4. Extension of National Anthem singing and vuvuzela playing

The National Anthem has become a symbol of unity among Mozambicans. The decree specifies:

1. Public and private activities must pause every Friday from 1:00 PM to 1:15 PM for the anthem to be sung, accompanied by protest banners.
2. Vuvuzelas and whistles will sound from 9:00 PM to 9:30 PM nightly.

5. Adoption of "Anamalala" as a greeting

The phrase "Anamalala" is declared a national heritage, symbolizing patriotism and the new identity of the envisioned republic.

6. Financial compensation for families of the deceased

Families of individuals killed by police forces will receive financial compensation of no less than 200,000 Meticais per family.

7. Extension of toll fee waivers nationwide

Toll fees from Rovuma to Maputo will remain suspended for 100 days. These tolls, emblematic of economic dictatorship, have already outlived their cost-recovery periods and are now unjustifiable.

8. Free water for all Mozambicans

Given the high infant mortality caused by lack of access to clean water, all Mozambican households are entitled to free water. Water providers must ensure 24-hour access and improve water quality. Private suppliers are encouraged to reduce prices to avoid burdening users.

9. Reduction of domestic gas prices by 50%

To combat deforestation and high coal prices, domestic gas—considered a national resource—will see a 50% price reduction to encourage its use.

10. Reduction of electricity prices by 50%

Electricity tariffs, among the highest in the region, will be reduced by 50%. This measure seeks to alleviate economic pressure on families and support sustainable energy use.

11. Free basic identification documents

Identity cards, birth certificates, driver's licenses, and similar documents will be issued free of charge to promote civil registration and access to citizenship rights.

12. Fixed price for cement at 300 Meticais

The price of a 50 kg bag of cement will be capped at 300 Meticais, ensuring affordable housing for Mozambican families.

13. End to illicit payments by police, customs, and municipal officers

All forms of extortion by authorities, including demands for bribes or "refreshments," are prohibited. Offending officials will face sanctions.

14. Suspension of mandatory vehicle inspections

Vehicle inspection fees are suspended until road conditions improve, and import taxes on vehicles and parts are reviewed.

15. Exemption from VAT on basic goods

Essential items like rice, maize flour, cooking oil, sugar, chicken, and vegetables will be exempt from VAT to ensure affordability.

16. Reintroduction of free school meals

All public primary and preschool institutions must provide free meals to improve children's cognitive development and reduce school dropout rates.

17. Free primary and secondary education

Tuition fees for public schools from grades 1 to 12 are abolished to ensure universal access to education.

18. End to school contributions for guards and maintenance

Parents will no longer pay additional fees for school operations or maintenance, which are the state's responsibility.

19. Suspension of radio tax collection

Radio services, considered a public good, must be provided free of charge until programming reflects national interests and adheres to public service standards.

20. Suspension of timber exploitation and export

To combat deforestation, timber exploitation is suspended except for local production of school furniture and other necessities.

21. Protection of the People — Right to Equitable Reaction for Defense

Law of Talion

When a government is illegitimately constituted, as in the cases of Nyusi and Chapo, where the Constitutional Council violates the law, disregards the Attorney General's opinions, usurps the competencies of STAE, or lies in court rulings, it is unrealistic to expect constitutional adherence. Violating the principle of universal suffrage and disrespecting the people's right to vote plunges the state into a state of nature rather than a democratic rule of law.
In such circumstances, the "Law of Talion" is adapted for the people to protect themselves. This decree authorizes the population to act as an autonomous tribunal to counteract the atrocities of the UIR, GOE, and SERNIC, as governmental silence on these acts has left the people defenseless. Citizens within these forces are urged to expose perpetrators of summary executions to enable justice through the People's Tribunal.

22. Closure of Environmentally Harmful Projects

Projects causing harm to the environment, such as air and water pollution, must cease operations immediately. An example is the coal project in Moatize, where toxic dust and harmful emissions lead to severe respiratory and skin diseases.

23. Depoliticization of Public Service

To accelerate Mozambique’s economic recovery, public service must be depoliticized. A law against political activities within public institutions will ensure a focus on serving the people.

24. Tax Exemptions for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

To support SMEs, severely affected by the regime’s destabilizing actions, the following measures are decreed:

1. 100% tax exemption in the first year of operations.
2. 95% tax exemption from the second year onward.

25. Negotiation of Local Development Agreements (ADL) with Communities

The extractive industries must negotiate ADLs directly with local communities to avoid corruption and ensure fair social benefits. Successful examples include the SASOL initiative, which allocated $40 million for community projects.

26. Digital Platform for Complaints and Claims

A digital platform will be launched to consolidate public and private complaints regarding damages to infrastructure and property, initiating an economic recovery plan.

27. Establishment of a Business Recovery Fund

A $500 million fund will be created to provide low-interest loans for those affected by the regime's destabilization tactics. This fund will involve partnerships with Bretton Woods institutions if sovereign funds are unavailable.

28. Fund for Women's and Youth Entrepreneurship

A $600 million fund will be allocated to finance entrepreneurial projects for women and youth (ages 18–40).

29. Presentation of the New National Flag

The competition for a new national flag has garnered over 3,000 proposals. To ensure thorough evaluation and public participation, the deadline is extended by 45 days, during which a portal will showcase the best submissions for public voting and contributions toward the final design.

30. Conclusion of Elections

The process of returning power to the people involves completing elections for local leaders, including neighborhood chiefs and district administrators. Representatives are urged to finalize these elections within 30 days and submit the elected officials' details to the People's Government database.

Effective Date and Scope

This decree comes into effect on January 20, 2025, and is binding for all public and private institutions, including the illegitimate government. Non-compliance justifies action by the People's Tribunal.

Published and Promulgated on January 17, 2025.