Taur Matan Ruak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Taur Matan Ruak
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Official portrait, 2018
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| 9th Prime Minister of East Timor | |
| In office 22 June 2018 – 1 July 2023 |
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| President | Francisco Guterres José Ramos-Horta |
| Deputy | Armanda Berta dos Santos José Maria dos Reis |
| Preceded by | Mari Alkatiri |
| Succeeded by | Xanana Gusmão |
| 5th President of East Timor | |
| In office 20 May 2012 – 20 May 2017 |
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| Prime Minister | Xanana Gusmão Rui Maria de Araújo |
| Preceded by | José Ramos-Horta |
| Succeeded by | Francisco Guterres |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 October 1956 Baguia, Portuguese Timor (now East Timor) |
| Political party | People's Liberation Party |
| Other political affiliations |
Independent (before 2017) |
| Spouse |
Isabel da Costa Ferreira
(m. 2001; died 2023) |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  East Timor |
| Years of service | 1975–2011 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands | Ponta Leste Sector Falintil Timor Leste Defence Force |
| Battles/wars | Indonesian occupation of East Timor |
José Maria de Vasconcelos, known by his popular name Taur Matan Ruak, was born on October 10, 1956. His name "Taur Matan Ruak" means "Two Sharp Eyes" in the Tetum language. He is an important political leader from East Timor. He served as the 9th Prime Minister of East Timor from 2018 to 2023. Before that, he was the 5th President of East Timor from 2012 to 2017.
Before becoming a politician, Taur Matan Ruak was a military commander. He led the FALINTIL-Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL), which is East Timor's defense force, from 2002 until 2011. He was also the last commander of FALINTIL, an army that fought against the Indonesian occupation from 1975 to 1999. After leaving the military in 2011, he ran as an independent candidate in the 2012 presidential election and won.
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Early Life and Military Career
When Indonesia invaded and occupied East Timor on December 7, 1975, Taur Matan Ruak joined the FRETILIN Army, known as FALINTIL. He fought in many battles against the Indonesian military across East Timor. By the end of 1976, he received his first official appointment in FALINTIL. From 1976 to 1979, he moved up in the ranks, becoming a company commander.
After a major resistance base fell in 1978, Taur Matan Ruak continued guerrilla operations. He was ordered to lead these activities in the eastern part of the country. In March 1979, he was captured by Indonesian Army forces. However, he managed to escape after 23 days and rejoined other FALINTIL forces in the mountains.
In March 1981, he became the Assistant Chief-of-Staff of FALINTIL. He was in charge of military operations in the eastern and central sectors. He was promoted again in March 1983, becoming responsible for planning special commando operations in the eastern sector. From 1984 to 1986, he worked as a military adviser for commando operations in the western sector. After gaining a lot of experience, he was promoted to Deputy Chief-of-Staff. After 1986, he was responsible for all commando operations across East Timor.
In November 1992, the Commander-in-Chief, Xanana Gusmão, was captured. Taur Matan Ruak was then promoted to Chief-of-Staff. He became the Commander of FALINTIL in March 1998. When Xanana Gusmão stepped down from FALINTIL, Taur Matan Ruak was appointed the Commander-in-Chief. When East Timor became independent again on May 20, 2002, he became the Chief of the Armed Forces (CEMGFA). He was promoted to major general in 2009.
Taur Matan Ruak was married to Isabel da Costa Ferreira from May 2001 until her passing on June 18, 2023.
Political Journey
Taur Matan Ruak faced challenges during the 2006 East Timorese crisis. A United Nations commission looked into the events and made recommendations.
He resigned from his role as commander of the F-FDTL on September 1, 2011. At that time, many people thought he might run for president. He later confirmed his decision to run in 2012. President José Ramos-Horta officially released him from military service on October 6, 2011.
Becoming President
East Timor held a presidential election in March and April 2012. This election was important for the country's young democracy to show it could manage its own security. Taur Matan Ruak ran as an independent candidate. He won the election in the second round against Francisco Guterres.
Taur Matan Ruak was sworn in as president on May 20, 2012. This day also marked the tenth anniversary of East Timor's independence. Both Taur Matan Ruak and José Maria de Vasconcelos are his official names. During 2013, he visited many remote areas of the country to meet with communities.
Serving as Prime Minister
Taur Matan Ruak announced in February 2020 that he intended to resign as prime minister. This was because the government's budget for that year had not been approved. However, he decided to withdraw his resignation in March 2020. He did this to help the country deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. He served as Prime Minister until July 1, 2023.
Awards and Recognition
Taur Matan Ruak has received several important awards:
- [[Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry]], from Portugal (received on May 10, 2012)
- [[Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste]], from Timor-Leste (received on May 19, 2017)
See also
In Spanish: Taur Matan Ruak para niños
