Dili, 05 June 2025 – Centro Nacional Chega!I.P hosted a National Seminar on the Reconciliation of Internal Political Conflict, “The Pathway to End the Cycle of Generational Hatred and Revenge.” The seminar aimed to provide a space for discussion on reconciliation issues related to internal conflict among the Timorese. It sought to promote the recommendations of the CAVR (Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation) and CTF/PMAS (Commission of Truth and the Friendship / Per Memoriam Ad Spem). It was to explore alternative mechanisms for the reconciliation process contributing to national development.
The keynote speaker at the conference was Mr. Jacinto Alves, the President of ASSEPPOL, who spoke on “The Memory of Internal Political Conflicts and Its Impacts”. Additionally, Fr. Dr. Julio Crispin Belo, a lawyer, presented “The Perspectives of Legal Culture on Reconciliation.” Mr. Joaquim Russuo Fonseca, a spokesperson of the Timorese Reconciliation Process Task Force (TRP-TF), discussed “The Process and Mechanism of Timorese Reconciliation.”
In his opening remarks, Inocêncio de Jesus Xavier, representing the Board President of Centro Chega!, welcomed all attendees and keynote speakers to the seminar. He emphasized the importance of viewing reconciliation as a process of healing the past, rather than reopening the wounds of victims and survivors.
“Reconciliation should not re-traumatize victims, but rather offer a path to heal from the past and empower them moving forward,” Inocêncio stated during the National Seminar at Centro Chega!.
Inocêncio argued that reconciliation is a vital step toward healing the past. However, he emphasized that the state and government must implement stronger retroactive policies to improve the lives of victims and survivors, many of whom continue to endure suffering and hardship.
“Better retroactive policies are needed to improve living conditions—only then can we discuss peace and reconciliation,” he reaffirmed.
Inocêncio also commended the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR)-Chega! for preserving the history of post-colonial periods, internal conflicts, and the Indonesian Invasion. He further recognized Centro Chega! for organizing reconciliation activities, including the Border Festival 2023 in Bobonaro and the 2024 in the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno (RAEOA, in Tetum).
In Addition, Centro Chega! also established the Timorese Reconciliation Process Task Force (GT-PRT, in Tetum), which brings together resistance organizations, civil society groups, and government institutions dedicated to human rights, peace, and reconciliation. GT-PRT has organized initiatives such as a retreat in Dare, a community dialogue in Liquiça during the commemoration of the Massacre at Liquiça Church, and a meeting with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão at Centro Chega!.
“This Task Force is to fulfill a mandate entrusted by the Prime Minister. In the reconciliation process, we must broaden the exchange of ideas and foster continuous dialogue. This is not merely an occasional effort—it requires ongoing discussion to cultivate awareness among leaders,” he believed.
We face significant challenges in internal reconciliation and politics. However, these obstacles do not prevent GT-PRT from fulfilling its responsibilities. We hope national leaders will come together to discuss peace, prosperity, and social justice, including those who have remained silent.
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