Country Profile:
Timor-Leste
Summary
Following 24 years of violent Indonesian occupation (1975-1999), Timor-Leste formally declared independence on May 20, 2002. A report by Timor-Leste’s Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation (CAVR) found that Indonesia’s occupation had resulted in more than 100,000 deaths. Timor-Leste has since undergone a program to build functioning and accountable security institutions out of what had been a revolutionary armed force.
A breakdown in security occurred in January 2006 when internal military divisions led 159 soldiers to sign a petition claiming ill treatment, poor conditions, and discriminatory practices against soldiers from the western part of the country. After receiving no response from the government, the petitioners left their barracks, and were later joined in the desertion by hundreds of other soldiers. As a result, in March 2006, 594 soldiers, or nearly half of the force, were dismissed by Brigadier-General Taur Matan Ruak. The dismissed petitioners began demonstrations in Dili which led to violent outbreaks and an assault on police headquarters on May 25, 2006. At the request of the government, the Australian-led International Stabilization Force (ISF) was deployed in June 2006 to reinstate security.
The 2006 crisis and subsequent violence in 2008 left Timor-Leste with fractures between the army and police forces, and deep suspicions between political groups. With the help of the international community, Timor-Leste continues to work towards stable and sustainable security system.
Following 24 years of violent Indonesian occupation (1975-1999), Timor-Leste formally declared independence on May 20, 2002. A report by Timor-Leste’s Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation (CAVR) found that over 100,000 deaths were a result of Indonesia occupation. Timor-Leste has since undergone a program to build functioning security institutions out of what had been a revolutionary armed force.
A breakdown in security occurred in January 2006 when internal military divisions led 159 soldiers to sign a petition claiming ill treatment, poor conditions, and discriminatory practices against soldiers from the western part of the country. After receiving no response from the government, the petitioners left their barracks, and were later joined in the desertion by hundreds of other soldiers. As a result, in March 2006, 594 soldiers, or nearly half of the force, were dismissed by Brigadier-General Taur Matan Ruak. The dismissed petitioners began demonstrations in Dili which lead to violent outbreaks and an assault on police headquarters on May 25, 2006. At the request of the government, the Australian-led International Stabilization Force (ISF) was deployed in June 2006 to reinstate security.
The security situation was tested again on February 11, 2008 when the leader of the rebels, Major Alfredo Reinado attempted coordinated attacks on Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and President Ramos-Horta. Reinado was killed during the attack. Unlike the 2006 crisis, the government took decisive action to put security measures in place. A state of siege was implemented with curfews and reduced freedoms of movement and assembly. A Joint Command was also established between the F-FDTL and PNTL which brought both security forces together in order to carry out security operations. The Joint Command was disbanded in June 2008.
The 2006 crisis and subsequent violence in 2008 left Timor-Leste with fractures between the army and police forces, and deep suspicions between political groups. With the help of the international community, Timor-Leste continues to work towards stable and sustainable security system.
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