Government of Timor-Leste

Following the speech given by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão at the inauguration of the 9th Constitutional Government, in which he demanded that the defence and security forces be disciplined and neutral in the exercise of their duties, an “Institutional Honour Commitment” ceremony was held today, December 7^th, 2023, at the Government Palace. 

At the ceremony, members of the defence forces and police, previously identified for involvement in political organisations, martial arts, and ritual groups, committed to disengaging from these organisations, pledging to carry out their duties with total discipline, integrity, and neutrality.

The actions and involvement of these members in such organisations have contributed to episodes of instability and lack of public tranquillity in Timor-Leste, particularly in Dili, undermining the credibility of defence and security institutions in their crucial role of guaranteeing peace and security for national development. 

Impartiality, as a mandatory characteristic of law enforcement professionals, is an essential factor in maintaining trust and integrity in the justice system, so it is critical that members of the defence forces and the police pledge to treat all citizens fairly and impartially, regardless of their political affiliations and the organisations to which they belong.

The Prime Minister, reiterating his commitment to consolidating the peace and security necessary for national development, emphasised the importance of ensuring that all members of the Defence and Security Forces act with neutrality and professionalism in defence of the State, the Nation and all citizens, defending peace and stability in the community, especially among young people, and in the best interests of the Nation. 

He also stressed the need for Defence and Security Forces members who have taken an oath to martial and ritual arts groups to renounce their oath bonds or leave the Defence and Security Forces because these organisations create a climate of criminality and spoil family and moral values.

This ceremony reinforces the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the Defence and Security Forces play a vital role in protecting all citizens' fundamental rights, freedoms and guarantees, thus contributing to trust and integrity in the national justice system.