DILI, 24 June 2026 (TATOLI) — FRETILIN Secretary-General Marí Alkatiri has called on the Timorese people to unite in honoring the legacy of late President Francisco Guterres ‘Lú Olo’.
Speaking at Lú-Olo’s residence in Farol, Dili, Alkatiri said Timor-Leste still faces significant challenges and urged citizens to remain united in advancing the ideals championed by the nation’s founding generation.
“We must turn our sadness into strength. We still have a long road ahead, and only through unity can we move forward,” he said.
Alkatiri had closely followed Lú Olo’s medical treatment and expressed solidarity with the late leader’s family during their time of mourning. “I am here because the situation requires my support for the family. I consider myself part of this family,” he said.
The former prime minister declined to discuss the medical details, stating that any information contained in the medical report should be disclosed by the government.
Alkatiri said the aspirations of the nation’s founders, resistance heroes and martyrs could only be achieved through a collective effort to eradicate poverty and improve living conditions for the population.
“We must continue the struggle to free our people from poverty and hardship. That should be a common cause that unites all Timorese,” he said.
The FRETILIN leader also recalled frequent conversations with Lú Olo before his health deteriorated and shared a message the former president often conveyed to him.
“He frequently told me that as long as we remained together, we would continue working for the country. When one of us was gone, the other should carry on the mission,” Alkatiri said.
He said the message reminded him of similar words spoken by national hero Nicolau Lobato during the resistance era and reinforced the responsibility of continuing to serve the nation.
Describing Lú Olo’s personal qualities, Alkatiri said the former president was an honest, transparent and principled leader who was firmly committed to combating corruption and advancing social justice.
“He was an extremely honest person who always stood for social justice and defended the interests of the most vulnerable,” he said. “Lú Olo dedicated his entire life to serving the country. He was a man of the people who became a statesman.”
Alkatiri said the proposal to bury Lú Olo alongside Francisco Xavier do Amaral and Mahuno originated with FRETILIN and was later endorsed by the government.
In a message to party members, he called for greater openness and unity. “I ask our members to open their hearts, minds and will to embrace all Timorese,” he said.
Journalist: Arminda Fonseca
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora
Translate: Filomeno Martins
