Timor-Leste Mourns the Passing of Former President Francisco Guterres ‘Lu Olo’

Imajem : Eis PR Francisco Guterres Lu Olo

SAP News Agency : FRETILIN President, former President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (RDTL), President of the Constituent Assembly, and former President of the National Parliament, Francisco Guterres “Lu Olo”, passed away today at Prince Court Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after undergoing intensive medical treatment.

The passing of Francisco Guterres Lu Olo represents a profound loss for his family, the FRETILIN Party, his comrades in the struggle, and all those who shared the dream and mission of building a free, democratic, and sovereign Timor-Leste.

The family has asked the people of Timor-Leste to join together in prayer and pay tribute to his memory, legacy, and lifelong dedication to the Timorese people.

Francisco Guterres “Lu Olo” was born in Ossu Administrative Post, Viqueque Municipality, on 7 September 1954. He was a veteran and freedom fighter who dedicated himself to the struggle for national liberation during the Indonesian occupation until Timor-Leste achieved its independence.

Following the referendum and the restoration of independence, he became President of the Constituent Assembly in 2001 and later served as Speaker of the National Parliament from 2002 to 2007.

In 2007, as President of the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN), Lu Olo contested the presidential election for the 2007–2012 term but was unsuccessful in securing victory at that time.

In 2017, Lu Olo remained steadfast in his commitment to public service and was elected President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, serving from 20 May 2017 to 20 May 2022.

During his presidency, Lu Olo demonstrated loyalty, commitment, and consistency in defending and promoting national unity, national dialogue, peace, political stability, and justice until the completion of his mandate.

After independence, Lu Olo was entrusted with the leadership of FRETILIN and served as its President from 2001 until his passing on 21 June 2026 in Malaysia.

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