Angolan Catholic Bishop Faults Judicial System for Deepening Corruption, Calls for Moral, Institutional Renewal

He described Angola’s judicial system as one of the biggest obstacles to the country’s development. “Justice is for people of noble heart, not for the corrupt,” he declared. “It is unacceptable for a judge to be involved in corruption. When justice fails, the country fails,” he warned.

Bishop Camuto linked judicial corruption to poverty, youth frustration, and social decay, arguing that “the effects of a corrupt justice system are visible in the widespread misery, neglect of the weak, and hopelessness of the young.”

“Justice is the foundation of trust in a nation. Without it, fear reigns, violence reigns, injustice reigns — and the people suffer,” he said.

Bishop Camuto also denounced what he called the loss of shame in public life, saying, “We no longer feel ashamed. It seems normal to steal, to lie, to harm others, to be a judge and act corruptly. Recovering the sense of shame is the first step toward restoring national dignity.”

He urged public officials to reclaim moral integrity and remember that “shame is a great virtue.”

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Although he acknowledged the government’s anti-corruption efforts, Bishop Camuto said results remain limited. 

“The President has launched an extensive campaign for economic diplomacy, but investors are not coming because they know that where there is no justice, there is no investment,” he stated.

The 61-year-old Catholic Bishop offered a message of hope and responsibility, calling for a renewal of moral, spiritual, and institutional life, urging Angolans—especially Christians—to be agents of transformation.

“We need Christians committed to justice, peace, and social change. It will not be the politicians who build a new Angola; it will be us, Christians, illuminated by the Word of God,” he said.

Bishop Camuto added, “Without justice, Angola will continue to sink. The silence of Christians before the suffering of the innocent is itself a sin of omission. The new Angola begins with you, with me — with our daily commitment to truth, justice, love, and solidarity.”