REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DILI -- East Timor's president accepted the resignation of independence hero Xanana Gusmao as prime minister on Monday, February 9, paving the way for a major government overhaul and a new chapter in the nation's short history.
Gusmao, who has served as either president or premier since East Timor became independent in 2002 following a long struggle against Indonesian occupation, submitted his resignation last week.
The departure of the former guerrilla fighter deprives Asia's youngest nation of a unifying figure who has helped resolve numerous crises, but analysts say it is time for Gusmao to step aside to enable a transition to a new generation of leaders.
At a Cabinet meeting, President Taur Matan Ruak announced that he accepted the request for resignation. The president will start the process of forming a new
government. It is expected that the constitution of the new government will be concluded at the end of this week.
A successor for 68-year-old Gusmao has not yet been announced but the frontrunner is seen as former health minister Rui Araujo. Gusmao may remain in government but in a lesser role, observers predict.
Gusmao, who spent years living in the jungle during Indonesian occupation, had signalled over the past year that he would be stepping down. But he delayed the move repeatedly as he sought to ensure everything was in place for a smooth transition.
Analysts say the cabinet reshuffle is likely aimed at getting rid of several ministers from Gusmao's coalition who have been accused of corruption.
It is also expected that the opposition Fretilin party will be brought into government, a move aimed at easing the half-island nation's often fraught politics.
Gusmao last week urged people not to panic during the transition to a new government, and called on everyone to contribute towards stability. East Timor has suffered bouts of unrest in the past, although recent years have been largely peaceful, allowing UN peacekeepers finally to leave the country in 2012.
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