Dili, September 29, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The National Liberation Combatants’ Council (Portuguese acronym: CCLN) is holding its second municipal conference of Combatants’ Councils for leadership and contribution to the nation under the theme “Strengthening Unity for National Development.” The 2nd conference takes place over two days, from September 23 to 24, at the Tres de Março Hall in Maubara.
In an interview, the Minister of National Liberation Combatants’ Affairs, Jil da Costa Monteiro “Oan-Soru,” stated that this conference is being organized by the National Liberation Combatants’ Council as the final one in the municipalities, with Dili hosting the last session. Previously, the President and members of CCLN had already conducted similar activities across all other municipalities, concluding with Dili under the theme “Strengthening Unity for National Development.”
“The objective of this second conference is to bring together veterans from Dili Municipality, composed of administrative posts, to gather within the CCLN, discuss collectively, share ideas, and elect a new municipal structure for Dili. This is why today we are holding the congress. The congress also marks the presence of our retired leader, Lere Anan Timur,” said Minister of National Liberation Combatants’ Affairs, Jil da Costa Monteiro “Oan-Soru.”
He explained that CCLN’s structure is established based on Article 35 No. 1 and Decree Law No. 7/2018, which amended Decree Law No. 33/2024, providing the legal framework for CCLN as the body representing veterans’ interests.
“Today, veterans will hold the congress to establish new veteran structures, including service and key responsibilities. Their role is to provide solutions to pending data and complaints, while continuing tasks previously undertaken, in accordance with existing laws,” added Minister Monteiro.
Meanwhile, the President of the National Liberation Combatants’ Council, Vidal de Jesus “Riak Leman,” emphasized that according to CCLN’s organic statute, every four years there must be elections or conferences to renew the structure. “As president together with my members, we must follow the statute. Today’s conference is specifically for veterans residing in Dili Municipality.”
“This is not the first conference, because the process began earlier, on August 5, starting from Lospalos, Baucau, Viqueque, Manatuto, Manufahi, Ainaro, Covalima, Aileu, Ermera, Liquica, Bobonaro, RAEOA, and concluding here in Dili Municipality,” said Vidal de Jesus “Riak Leman.”
He further explained that the main goal of this conference is to gather veterans from Dili’s administrative posts as well as delegates to nominate candidates for the new CCLN structure.
“These candidacies will be assessed by delegates to see who is best suited to serve in the CCLN’s new structure. The new leadership will continue the work of the outgoing structure and follow up on veteran data across municipalities,” said the CCLN President.
He reaffirmed his call for veterans to listen to each other and trust one another, noting that the unifying theme of this second conference is to ensure veterans remain united to contribute to national development. He also highlighted that CCLN, together with the Secretariat, has launched initiatives such as the Banco do Nosso Futuro (BNF), allowing veterans and their families to save money in a bank that was created specifically for them.
In closing, he explained that the 2nd Municipal Conference of CCLN, taking place on September 23–24, 2025, is attended by the Minister of National Liberation Combatants’ Affairs, the President of CCLN and its structure, former Chief of Defense Force General Lere Anan Timur (retired), veterans, delegates, and officials from MAKLAN and CCLN.
Report: Domingas
Photo: Domingas