Dili, June 25, 2026 (Media Democracia) – Former President of the Republic and Former Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, expresses his deep sadness at the passing of the late Francisco Guterres Lú-Olo, whom he considers a disciplined leader and a person of great value to the nation. Because throughout his life, Lú-Olo dedicated himself to the liberation struggle, national unity and the development of Timor-Leste, leaving a good example for future generations
Former President of the Republic and Former Prime Minister, General Taur Matan Ruak, expressed his deep sadness over the departure of Francisco Guterres “Lú-Olo”, whom he considers a good person and a disciplined leader who made a great contribution to the land and people of Timor-Leste.
“This is the path. Destiny always separates us, but we say thank you to the late Francisco Guterres Lú-Olo for his contribution to this land and people, especially to the new generations, which is very great.” said the Former President (PR) and Former PM Taur Matan Ruak to journalists at his residence in Farol, Dili, (23/6/2026).
The former PM added that those who are still alive must follow in the late Francisco Guterres “Lú-Olo’s” footsteps to lead Timor forward. Leaders must unite to fight the poverty and hardship of the people.
“Our people are still miserable in their own land. We have gained independence, but the people still do not live well, they are still suffering. That’s why we who come from the mountains express our great and deep feelings to his widow and orphaned children – you are not alone, we are all by your side.” General Taur Matan Ruak continued.
The late Francisco Guterres Lú-Olo leaves a legacy for leaders. Other leaders who are still alive, with his courage and discipline, should become an example for all leaders to look after these people well, eliminate what is bad, and do what is good for future generations.
He said that the two of them went to the hospital, but before Former PM Taur Matan Ruak left he left a message that they would never forget Francisco Guterres “Lú-Olo”. But reality brought a condition where he now rests in peace, leaving the people of Timor-Leste with great loss, longing and sadness.
“The two of us went to the hospital, he stayed and I left. And before I left I said one thing: we will never forget him, we are still with him. Whatever comes we accept. At the moment of our last embrace before he went to Malaysia, we thought he would return, but he left. Destiny took him. We who are still alive must stay strong to look after our people.” the former Head of State said.
Today all the people gathered here to pay tribute and pray for him so that his soul may find a good place in eternal life.
“We who are still alive must carry our lives forward. He is gone, but for us it is still heavy because he carried everything and taught it, leaving this wound for us, especially for you, the new generations.” he concluded.
Report: Tomás dos Santos
Photo: Tomás dos Santos