National Mourning in Honour of His Excellency Dr Francisco Guterres, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, 2017–2022
Presidency of the Council of Ministers
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Government Decree
National Mourning in Honour of His Excellency Dr Francisco Guterres, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, 2017–2022
Francisco Guterres, commonly referred to as “Lú Olo,” was born on September 7th, 1954, in Ossú, within the municipality of Viqueque, and passed away on June 21st, 2026, in Malaysia.
His political career is profoundly linked to the pursuit of Timor-Leste’s independence. Even throughout the period of Portuguese administration of the territory, he participated actively in nationalist movements.
Following the unilateral declaration of independence on November 28th, 1975, and the subsequent invasion by Indonesia, Lú Olo became a member of the national resistance. Throughout the occupation period, he assumed various leadership roles within the resistance movement for national liberation, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the struggle for independence.
Following the referendum conducted on August 30th, 1999, he was elected as a member of the Constituent Assembly and subsequently served as its President. He later assumed the role of the inaugural President of the National Parliament, a position held from 2002 to 2007.
In 2017, he was elected President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, assuming office on May 20th of that year and serving until 2022.
Therefore,
The Government hereby decrees, pursuant to Article 41, paragraphs 1 and 2, of Law No. 4/2024, dated July 3rd, the following:
Article 1
A period of national mourning is hereby declared throughout the country as a sign of grief over the passing of Dr Francisco Guterres Lú Olo, former President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
Article 2
The period of national mourning commences at 3:00 p.m. on June 22nd and concludes at midnight on June 28th.
Article 3
1. During the period of National Mourning specified in the preceding article, the National Flag shall be flown at half-mast in accordance with Article 13 of Law No. 2/2007 dated January 18th.
2. The provisions of the preceding paragraph are to be adhered to in all public buildings, including embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic missions abroad, as well as on government vessels.
Article 4
This Government Decree shall become effective upon its official publication.
Approved by the Council of Ministers on June 22nd, 2026.
The Acting Prime Minister
Mariano Assanami Sabino Lopes
