Dili, August 22, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Executive Director of Fundasaun Mahein organized an international conference on security sector reform as part of the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of FALINTIL Day. The international conference was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEK) on Wednesday.
Executive Director of Fundasaun Mahein, Nelson Belo, stated that the foundation contributes to the celebration of FALINTIL’s 50th anniversary in Timor-Leste, highlighting that FALINTIL was a symbol of resistance during the 24 years of Indonesian occupation.
“FALINTIL is a symbol of resistance, and during that time it showed resilience. After Timor-Leste gained independence and restoration, FALINTIL continued to serve as an inspiration, becoming the regular force that was later transferred into the Defense Force. Today, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary, that legacy lives on,” said Nelson Belo.
He added that the spirit of FALINTIL’s resistance, discipline, and dedication to development during the struggle continues to positively shape the regular force of the FALINTIL-Defense Force of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) on its 50th anniversary.
“We have now entered discussions on security and defense sector reform. Fundasaun Mahein observes that all the leadership of the F-FDTL today emerged from FALINTIL’s legacy over the past 50 years. We have started to talk about reform, which means the process is gradual but already underway. Young people within the military and police must now assume responsibility and leadership at the command and strategic levels,” Nelson Belo continued.
He affirmed that, as also mentioned in the Defense Minister’s speech, reforms in the defense sector must respond to conditional threats such as cyber-security, environmental security, and transnational human security challenges. These themes must continue to be strengthened, while also upholding the spirit of discipline inherited from FALINTIL.
“After the restoration, FALINTIL was transformed into the FALINTIL-Defense Force of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL), turning from a resistance force into a regular force. This regular force, as the Minister of Defense also stated, is guided by rules beyond the Constitution of the Republic—such as national defense laws, disciplinary laws, military promotion laws, laws on joint operations, and coordinated operations that govern military activities,” explained Nelson Belo.
He further highlighted that the international conference, held as part of the FALINTIL Day 50th anniversary celebration, serves as a moment to reflect on and honor the long struggle and the overall process FALINTIL dedicated itself to throughout the years until today.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano