Government of Timor-Leste

On August 12^th, 2025, the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Agio Pereira, met with the Executive Director of AMRT, Jorge Alves ‘We Moris’, and his team to discuss the preparation of cultural activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of FALINTIL. At this meeting, the AMRT team presented the preparations for the cultural ceremonies that will take place on August 14^th, 2025, as part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the National Liberation Struggle. 

The Executive Director noted that this year Timor-Leste marks 50 years of historical events that are fundamental to our identity and sovereignty, such as the heroic journey of Nicolau Lobato on August 11^th 1975, the general armed uprising in 1975, the creation of FALINTIL on August 20^th, 1975, and the unilateral proclamation of independence on November 28^th, 1975. For all these reasons, AMRT will hold cultural ceremonies led by Lia-na'in Bidau Manu Mata, Carketo Mota Ain and Lakotu Rumbia, as representatives of the sacred houses of the 13 municipalities. These ceremonies will be held on August 14^th, 2025. The Executive Director also reported that some AMRT activities will take place in the municipality of Aileu, as a tribute to the armed uprising and the founding of FALINTIL in the municipality of Aileu. On August 17^th, 2025, there will also be a celebration of the Eucharist and blessing of the image of Our Lady of Fatima, as patron saint of the Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum. 

Minister Agio Pereira congratulated the AMRT team for their excellent preparation and for the detailed concept for the program that was presented and will be implemented at AMRT and in Aileu. Minister Agio emphasized that it is important for the new generation to be well informed about the history of our guerrilla fighters and to value their struggle, telling their stories in an appropriate manner.