Ermera, February 20, 2026 – The Centro Nacional Chega!, in collaboration with the Timorese Reconciliation Process Task Force (GT-PRT, in Tetum), conducted a two-day retreat on February 19-20 at the Coperativa Cafe Timor (CCT) Hall in Railaco, Ermera Municipality. The theme of the retreat was “One Thought and One Perspective for the Success of Timorese Reconciliation.”
In his opening remarks, Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Chega!, underscored the significance of the GT-PRT retreat. He emphasized that it serves as an opportunity to assess the progress and challenges encountered in implementing activities since 2025, as well as to discuss the work plan for 2026.
The retreat aimed to align the thoughts and perspectives on the reconciliation issue among the GT-PRT members. It focused on enhancing their understanding of reconciliation as part of integrating transitional justice mechanisms. The operational plan of Centro Chega! for the Timorese Reconciliation Process was presented, outlining tasks that can be shared for its implementation. Additionally, the retreat included a presentation of the Concept Note and Terms of Reference for the Timorese Reconciliation Process (PRT). Participants also engaged in mapping cases related to the reconciliation process and held public consultations on this topic. The retreat provided an opportunity for GT-PRT members to share their responsibilities and conduct advocacy on the issues discussed, all aimed at furthering the Timorese Reconciliation Process.
“I would like to thank all the GT-PRT members for being available to participate in this activity. This is in response to our evaluation of the PRT in Kasabauk, Suai, conducted in December 2025. We also reevaluated the process in Dili, where we discussed some strengths and weaknesses of the process. Therefore, in today’s and tomorrow’s meetings, we will work on finding solutions regarding the PRT results in Kasabauk,” said Hugo during the retreat in Railaco, Ermera.
On the same occasion, Rev. Arlindo Marçal, a member of the Board of Administration of Centro Chega! and representing the President of the Board of Administration, expressed that the participation of the GT-PRT members demonstrates their commitment to reconciliation. The GT-PRT has engaged in various activities, including a retreat in Dare, meetings with the Prime Minister, and public consultations in Liquica and Suai. Later, conduct a reconciliation event in Kasabauk-Tilomar, Municipality of Covalima. These activities are indeed intensive and serve to show that we are genuinely pursuing reconciliation. As we know, reconciliation is a long and delicate process, but we are making progress. When we discuss reconciliation, we are addressing conflicts among people.
“Appreciate the work of GT-PRT, as you have carried out numerous works in 2025. This year, we continue our efforts with this retreat. We hope to share ideas collaboratively to enhance and succeed in our reconciliation process,” said Rev. Arlindo.
Through this retreat, we can remind ourselves and exchange views to find the best solutions for achieving successful reconciliation. To prepare effectively, we must conduct meaningful retreats and reflections on the reconciliation process. This reconciliation effort must be made with a sincere commitment and should not be made with politics.
After the establishment of the Timorese Reconciliation Process Task Force (GT-PRT), which comprised numerous members from Resistance Organizations and Youth Organizations, the Task Force conducted various activities related to the reconciliation campaign through public consultations held in the municipalities of Liquica, Covalima, and Baucau. In addition, the GT-PRT also conducted seminars and talk shows through the media. At the end of December 5, 2025, Centro Chega!, alongside the GT-PRT, held a successful reconciliation activity between perpetrators and victims of human rights violations in 1999 after a popular consultation in Kasabauk Village, Tilomar-Covalima Administrative Post.
This year, 2026, Centro Chega! has designed a 1-year program and plan of activities on the Timorese reconciliation process that will be carried out. To ensure the process of implementation of PRT programs and activities, from February 19-20, 2026, Centro Nacional Chega!I.P and the Timorese Reconciliation Process Task Force held a retreat at the Coperativa Café Timór (CCT) Hall in Railaco, Ermera Municipality. The theme “One Thought and One Perspective for the Success of Timorese Reconciliation”, where the members of the Timorese Reconciliation Process elected José António de Jesus das Neves as Spokesperson to replace Joaquim Fonseca “Russo”.
After being elected, José António de Jesus das Neves ‘Samalarua’ as GT-PRT Spokesperson, expressed his readiness to assume the trust given by GT-PRT members. He emphasized that the important thing is collective work and sharing mutual trust, and also supporting each other for the success of reconciliation.
“Reconciliation is the basis of the reconstruction of the country. We reconstruct the country without national public political garbage. We have not untied these things. This work – we try to do something, sweeping, but not alone, it must involve the state. I receive this trust; for the future, I and we all – our readiness is no reservations,” said GT-PRT Spokesperson ‘Samalarua’.
Centro Nacional Chega!IP established the Timorese Reconciliation Process Task Force (GT-PRT) in 2025, composed of the Resistance Organizations, Civil Society Organizations, and State and Government Institutions, to implement the recommendations of the Final Report of the Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation (CAVR)-Chega!, and Commission for Truth and Friendship (CTF), particularly reconciliation.
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