DILI, 08 April 2026 (TATOLI) – The government has appointed Celestinho Martinho Marques as interim president of the Oecusse Ambeno Special Administrative Region (RAEOA), replacing incumbent Régio da Cruz Salu, who is currently undergoing medical treatment.
The Ministry of State Administration (MAE) made the appointment with the knowledge of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
Marques, also National Director for Support to Suco Administration (DENAAS), said he was formally instructed to take on the role temporarily.
“I received the ministerial order from the Minister of State Administration appointing me as interim President of RAEOA. I will carry out this role in coordination with the leadership in Oecusse,” he said during a meeting with regional directors and department heads at the Numbei administration hall.
Marques said the interim appointment is intended to ensure the continued operation of the regional administration, as the current president has not yet fully recovered to resume his duties.
“When Mr. Régio da Cruz Salu recovers from his illness, whether today or tomorrow, he will return to his duties as President of RAEOA, and I will step down immediately. Meanwhile, as interim president, I have the authority to ensure that services in Oecusse continue to operate,” he added.
Asked about the appointment letter, Marques declined to provide it to the media, saying copies had already been distributed to relevant officials, including directors and sub-regional administrators in Oesilo, Passabe, Nitibe and Pante Macassar.
“I cannot provide the letter to the media, but it is available in the Journal of the Republic. We must continue working together to ensure the public administration in Oecusse remains operational; all services must continue without interruption,” he said.
Oecusse Regional Director-General Domingos Punef said the move was necessary to maintain government operations.
“This appointment is indeed necessary, given that the current President of RAEOA is still facing health issues. The decision was taken at the national level,” he said.
TATOLI
