Government of Timor-Leste

The Ainaro District Timorese National Police (PNTL) took over operational command powers from UNPOL on April 15 last. This is an important step in the security sector, not just a formality but a testimony that PNTL is ready to be fully charged of security of the people and the entire district of Ainaro.

The process of transferring police powers started in May, in the districts of Lautém, Oe-Cusse Ambeno, Manatuto and Viqueque. The ‘passage of testimony’ includes police units such as the Comoro Centre for Police Training, Coastal Police Unit and the Timor-Leste Police Intelligence Service Unit.

The Government acknowledges that there is still much to be done in terms of consolidating the process of security. In this ceremony which marked the transference of powers in Ainaro, the Secretary of State for Security (SES), Francisco Guterres, stressed the need for the police to be in touch with the community, protecting and helping the community to overcome their problems.

The Secretariat of State for Security has recently finalized two documents aiming at enhancing efficiency in the security sector. One is the National Security Law and another is the Internal Security Law, both adopted by the National Parliament and subsequently promulgated by the President of the Republic. Both laws define that PNTL ought to be essentially a Community Police in nature, including its defined need to be in touch with the community.

The United Nations Police (UNPOL) still works closely with the PNTL of the district of Ainaro, providing support in the realms of protection of human rights and community policing.

The district of Baucau will be next in terms of similar transfer of powers.