Editing Xanana Gusmão

{{Short description|3rd president and 5th prime minister of East Timor}}
{{EngvarB|date=July 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific_prefix    = [[His Excellency]]
| name                = Xanana Gusmão
| office              = 6th & 10th [[Prime Minister of East Timor]]
| president           = [[José Ramos-Horta]]
| deputy              = {{ubl|[[Francisco Kalbuadi Lay]]|[[Mariano Sabino Lopes]]}}
| term_start          = 1 July 2023
| predecessor         = [[Taur Matan Ruak]]
| successor           = 
| image               = PM Kishida meeting with PM Gusmão of Timor-Leste (cropped).jpg
| caption             = Gusmão in 2023
| predecessor1        = [[Estanislau da Silva]]
| president1          = {{ubl|José Ramos-Horta|Taur Matan Ruak}}
| successor1          = [[Rui Maria de Araújo]]
| signature           = Xanana Gusmão signature.svg
| party               = [[National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction]]
| office2             = 3rd [[President of East Timor]]
| predecessor2        = [[Sérgio Vieira de Mello]]<br>''as UN Administrator'' (1999–2002)<br />[[Nicolau dos Reis Lobato]]<br>''as acting president''<br>(1975–1978)
| primeminister2      = {{ubl|[[Mari Alkatiri]]|José Ramos-Horta|[[Estanislau da Silva]]}}
| successor2          = José Ramos-Horta
| birth_name          = José Alexandre Gusmão
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1946|6|20|df=y}}
| birth_place         = [[Manatuto]], [[Portuguese Timor]]
| death_date          = 
| death_place         = 
| spouse              = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|Maria Emília Baptista|1965|1999|end=div}}
* {{marriage|[[Kirsty Sword Gusmão|Kirsty Sword]]|2000|2015|end={{abbr|sep.|separated}}}}
}}
| children            = 5
| citizenship         = 
| residence           = [[New South Wales]], Australia
| term_start1         = 8 August 2007
| term_end1           = 16 February 2015
| term_start2         = 20 May 2002
| term_end2           = 20 May 2007
}}

'''José Alexandre''' "'''Xanana'''" '''Gusmão''' ({{IPA|pt|ʒuˈzɛ ɐlɨˈʃɐ̃dɾɨ ʃɐˈnɐnɐ ɣuʒˈmɐ̃w}}; born 20 June 1946) is an East Timorese politician. He has served as the [[Prime Minister of East Timor|6th prime minister of East Timor]] since [[IX Constitutional Government of Timor-Leste|2023]], previously serving in that position from 2007 to 2015.<ref name=AJ>{{cite news |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/55A0A116-F243-41AF-9CB0-C97C5E36EA91.htm |title=Gusmao sworn in as East Timor PM |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070811203436/http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/55A0A116-F243-41AF-9CB0-C97C5E36EA91.htm |archivedate=11 August 2007 |work=Al Jazeera |date=8 August 2007}}</ref> A former rebel, he also served as East Timor's first [[President of East Timor|president]] since its re-establishment of independence from 2002 to 2007.

==Early life and career==
Gusmão was born in {{ill|Laleia |de}}, [[Manatuto Municipality|Manatuto]], in what was then [[Portuguese Timor]], as the second son in a large family.<ref name="oxford reference">{{cite web |author1=<!--not stated--> |title=Quick reference: José Alexandre Gusmão |url=https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095913992 |website=[[Oxford Reference]] |access-date=16 January 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="liv 2001-11">{{cite journal |last1=Silverii |first1=Jason |title=Voice of East Timor unites nations |journal=Law Institute Journal |date=November 2001 |pages=16-19 |url=https://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/download.cgi/cgi-bin/download.cgi/download/au/journals/LawIJV/2001/369.pdf |access-date=16 January 2025 |publisher=Law Institute Victoria |location=Melbourne |language=en |issn=0023-9267}}</ref> His parents, both of whom were school teachers, were of mixed Portuguese-Timorese ancestry, and his family were ''[[assimilado]]s''.<ref name="Divided">{{Cite journal |last=Shoesmith |first=Dennis |date=2003 |title=Timor-Leste: Divided Leadership in a Semi-Presidential System |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/as.2003.43.2.231 |journal=[[Asian Survey]] |volume=43 |issue=2 |page=236 |doi=10.1525/as.2003.43.2.231 |jstor=10.1525/as.2003.43.2.231 |access-date=6 May 2022 |archive-date=6 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506145321/https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/as.2003.43.2.231 |url-status=live }}</ref> He attended a [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit]] school in [[Dare, Timor-Leste|Dare]], just outside [[Dili]], and Dili High School.<ref name="oxford reference"/><ref name="liv 2001-11"/> After leaving high-school for financial reasons at the age of 15 in 1961, he held a variety of unskilled jobs, while continuing his education at night school.

In 1965, aged 19, Gusmão met Emilia Batista, who was later to become his wife. His nickname, "Xanana", was taken from the name of the American rock and roll band "[[Sha Na Na]]", (which is pronounced the same as "Xanana" which is spelled according to Portuguese and [[Tetum language|Tetum]] spelling rules)<ref>{{cite news|title=Xanana Gusmao: From Guerrilla goalkeeper to president|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-30046678.html|access-date=11 February 2022|work=[[Irish Examiner]]|publisher=Irish Examiner Ltd.|date=16 April 2002|archive-date=11 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211215756/https://www.irishexaminer.com/world/arid-30046678.html|url-status=live}}</ref> who in turn were named after a lyric from the [[doo-wop]] song  "[[Get a Job (song)|Get a Job]]" written and recorded in 1957 by [[the Silhouettes]].<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.shanana.com/faq.htm#SS1 | title= F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions) | work= ShaNaNa.com | access-date= 11 February 2022 | archive-date= 14 February 2022 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220214234540/http://www.shanana.com/faq.htm#SS1 | url-status= live }}</ref>

In 1966, Gusmão obtained a position with the public service, which allowed him to continue his education. This was interrupted in 1968 when Gusmão was recruited by the [[Portuguese Army]] for national service. He served for three years, rising to the rank of corporal. During this time, he married Emilia Batista, with whom he had a son Eugenio, and a daughter Zenilda. He has since divorced Emilia, and in 2000, he married Australian [[Kirsty Sword Gusmão|Kirsty Sword]], with whom he had three sons: Alexandre, Kay Olok and Daniel. In 1971, Gusmão completed his national service, his son was born, and he became involved with a nationalist organisation headed by [[José Ramos-Horta]]. For the next three years he was actively involved in peaceful protests directed at the colonial system.

It was in 1974 that a [[Carnation Revolution|coup in Portugal]] resulted in the beginning of decolonisation for Portuguese Timor, and shortly afterwards the Governor [[Mário Lemos Pires]] announced plans to grant the colony independence. Plans were drawn up to hold general elections with a view to independence in 1978. During most of 1975 a bitter internal struggle occurred between two rival factions in Portuguese Timor. Gusmão became deeply involved with the [[Fretilin]] faction, and as a result he was arrested and imprisoned by the rival faction the Timorese Democratic Union ([[Timorese Democratic Union|UDT]]) in mid-1975. Taking advantage of the internal disorder, and with an eye to absorbing the colony, [[Indonesia]] immediately began a campaign of destabilisation, and frequent raids into Portuguese Timor were staged from Indonesian [[West Timor]]. By late 1975 the Fretilin faction had gained control of Portuguese Timor and Gusmão was released from prison. He was given the position of Press Secretary within the Fretilin organisation. On 28 November 1975, Fretilin declared the independence of Portuguese Timor as "The Democratic Republic of East Timor", and Gusmão was responsible for filming the ceremony. Nine days later, [[Indonesian invasion of East Timor|Indonesia invaded East Timor]]. At the time Gusmão was visiting friends outside of Dili and he witnessed the invasion from the hills. For the next few days he searched for his family.

==Indonesian occupation==
{{Main|Indonesian occupation of East Timor}}
[[File:Xanana Gusmao in a safe house in Rua do Enfermeiro Matias, Kuluhun, Dili, Timor-Leste in 1991.jpg|thumb|Xanana Gusmão in a safe house in Dili during the occupation]]
After the appointment of the [[Provisional Government of East Timor]] by Indonesia, Gusmão became heavily involved in resistance activities. Gusmão was largely responsible for the level of organisation that evolved in the resistance, which ultimately led to its success. The early days featured Gusmão walking from village to village to obtain support and recruits. In 1977, Gusmão was the aide-de-camp to Fretilin political commissar [[Abel Ximenes|Abel Larisina]] and organised supplies for civilians at the resistance base at [[Matebian]]. In November 1978, the base was destroyed by the Indonesians.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-11-28 |title="Chapter 7.3 Forced Displacement and Famine" |url=http://www.cavr-timorleste.org/chegaFiles/finalReportEng/07.3-Forced-Displacement-and-Famine.pdf |access-date=2023-05-30 |website="Chega!“- Report by the [[Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in East Timor|CAVR]] |via=[[Archive.org]] |archive-date=28 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151128045825/http://www.cavr-timorleste.org/chegaFiles/finalReportEng/07.3-Forced-Displacement-and-Famine.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> But after Fretilin suffered some major setbacks in the early 1980s, including a failed 1984 coup attempt against Gusmão led by four senior [[Falintil]] officers, including [[Mauk Moruk]],<ref name="lowy">{{cite news |title=Xanana Gusmao-Mauk Moruk: Timor struggles with its past and future |url=http://www.lowyinterpreter.org/post/2013/12/05/Gusmao-Mauk-Moruk-Timor-struggles-with-its-past-and-future.aspx |work=[[Lowy Institute for International Policy]] |date=3 December 2013 |access-date=3 September 2015 |archive-date=1 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001184801/http://www.lowyinterpreter.org/post/2013/12/05/Gusmao-Mauk-Moruk-Timor-struggles-with-its-past-and-future.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Gusmão left Fretilin and supported various centrist coalitions, eventually becoming a leading opponent of Fretilin. In March 1981, a secret national conference in [[Lacluta Administrative Post|Lacluta]] elected him head of [[Falintil]], succeeding the slain [[Nicolau dos Reis Lobato|Nicolau dos Reis Lobatos]]. 

In 1988, Gusmão became leader of the newly formed National Council of Resistance (CNRT). To avoid being seen as partisan, Gusmão left Fretilin for this. Under his leadership, FALINTIL relied more on clandestine underground networks and used small groups to attack Indonesian targets.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Biography Prime Minister and Minister of Defense and Security of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste |url=http://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=3 |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=Timor Leste Government |language=en}}</ref> By the mid-1980s, he was a major leader. During the early 1990s, Gusmão became deeply involved in diplomacy and media management, and was instrumental in alerting the world to the [[Dili Massacre|massacre in Dili]] that occurred in Santa Cruz on 12 November 1991. Gusmão was interviewed by many major media channels and obtained worldwide attention.
[[file:Xanana_visit_to_Same_'00-03.jpg|left|thumb|Gusmão's visit to Same (2000)]]
As a result of his high profile, Gusmão became a prime target of the Indonesian government. [[Indonesian National Armed Forces|Indonesian troops]] (TNI) attempted to capture Gusmão in the [[Same, East Timor|Same]] and [[Ainaro Municipality|Ainaro]] area on 14 November 1990 with ''Operasi Senyum'' ("Operation Smile"). Four days earlier, a woman had been captured who testified during interrogation that the rebel leader was staying at a nearby mountain. Xanana Gusmão, however, probably escaped one night before the attack. After the attack, in which twelve battalions and four helicopters were deployed, the military claimed to have found about 100 fighters. Also found was a container with Gusmão's documents, a video camera and his typewriter. Among the documents were letters from the Pope and Bishop [[Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo|Carlos Belo]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Timor-Leste |first=Komisi Penerimaan, Kebenaran, dan Rekonsiliasi (CAVR) di |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kZvLuAEACAAJ&q=Lahane |title=Chega! |date=2010-07-28 |publisher=Kepustakaan Populer Gramedia |isbn=978-979-9102-44-7 |volume=1 |language=id}}</ref> According to a traditional Timorese legend, some warriors were able to transform themselves into dogs to escape their captors. Picking up on this myth, the legend spread that Gusmão could also turn into a white dog and thus run around the village unnoticed while the Indonesian soldiers were looking for him.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Matthew |last=Libbis |title=Rituals, Sacrifice & Symbolism in Timor-Leste |url=https://www.easttimorlawandjusticebulletin.com/2013/02/rituals-sacrifice-symbolism-in-timor_1.html |access-date=2023-05-30 |language=en}}</ref>[[File:Aileu Falintilcamp Okt '99, Xanana kehrt zurück-01.jpg|thumb|Return of Gusmão to [[Aileu]] after Indonesian arrest]]

In November 1992, a campaign for his capture was finally successful in a large-scale operation by the Indonesian military with Gusmão apprehended in a tunnel under the family home of [[Aliança de Araújo|Aliança Araújo]] in Lahane near Dili and taken to [[Bali]].<ref name=":0" /> In May 1993, Gusmão was tried, convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Indonesian government. He was found guilty under Article 108 of the Indonesian Penal Code (rebellion), Law no. 12 of 1951 (illegal possession of firearms) and Article 106 (attempting to separate part of the territory of Indonesia).<ref>[http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA210581997?open&of=ENG-312 Amnesty International briefing on Xanana Gusmao] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914135828/http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA210581997?open&of=ENG-312 |date=14 September 2007 }}</ref> He spoke in his own defence and he was appointed with defence lawyers before the commencement of his trial. The sentence was commuted to 20 years by the [[President of Indonesia|Indonesian President]] [[Suharto]] in August 1993. He was taken to [[Jakarta]]'s maximum security prison, [[Cipinang Penitentiary Institution|Cipinang]]. Although not released until late 1999, Gusmão successfully led the resistance from within prison with the help of Kirsty Sword. Prior to his release, the United Kingdom offered Gusmão political asylum to ensure his safety. The ''Xanana Room'' at the British Embassy in Jakarta commemorates this today.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stewart |first=Elizabeth |date=18 February 2014 |title=Rebel with a cause |url=http://www.embassymagazine.com/Biog/biog_countries/biog_emb52_timor-leste.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712191528/http://www.embassymagazine.com/Biog/biog_countries/biog_emb52_timor-leste.html |archive-date=2016-07-12 |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=Embassy Magazine |via=[[Archive.org]]}}</ref> By the time of his release, he was regularly visited by United Nations representatives, and dignitaries such as [[Nelson Mandela]].

==Transition to independence==
{{Further|United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor}}

[[File:Discusi Antar Sahabat 2013-05-13 17-05 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Last meeting on 30 October 1999 between Colonel Czi J. Suryo Prabowo, Xanana, and Col Inf Sahala Silalahi. The next day the TNI's rule in East Timor ended.]]
On 30 August 1999, a [[East Timor Special Autonomy Referendum|referendum]] was held in East Timor and an overwhelming majority voted for independence. The Indonesian military commenced a campaign of terror as a result, with terrible consequences. Although the Indonesian government denied ordering this offensive, they were widely condemned for failing to prevent it. As a result of overwhelming diplomatic pressure from the United Nations, promoted by [[Portugal]] since the late 1970s and also by the United States and Australia in the 1990s, a UN-sanctioned, Australian-led international peace-keeping force ([[International Force for East Timor|INTERFET]]) entered East Timor.

Gusmao was secretly flown into East Timor by INTERFET on Thursday, 21 October 1999, flying from Darwin, Australia, to Baucau, before moving onwards to Dili. His presence in Dili was revealed by loudspeaker trucks announcing he would make a speech. This 25-minute speech urged reconciliation and rebuilding. At this time, Gusmao was 53, and was already expected to become the first President, despite some criticism over his lack of action against the post-referendum terror campaign.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/1999/10/23/0000007790 |title=At last, Gusmao makes a triumphant return to East Timor |work=AP |date=23 October 1999 |access-date=26 December 2024}}</ref>

[[File:INTERFET-UNTAET handover.jpg|thumb|Gusmão handing over control from [[International Force East Timor|INTERFET]] to [[United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor|UNTAET]]]]
In 1999, Xanana Gusmão was elected speaker of the National Consultative Council (NCC), a kind of transitional parliament during the UN administration of East Timor. On 23 October 2000, Gusmão also became spokesman for the subsequent National Council (NC). Gusmão was appointed to a senior role in the UN administration that governed East Timor until 20 May 2002. During this time he continually campaigned for unity and peace within East Timor, and was generally regarded as the ''de facto'' leader of the emerging nation. Elections were held in late 2001 and Gusmão, endorsed by nine parties but not by Fretilin, ran as an independent and was comfortably elected leader. 

Gusmão eventually won the [[2002 East Timorese presidential election|presidential election]] on 14 April 2002 with 82.7% against his opponent [[Francisco Xavier do Amaral]] and the first president of East Timor when it became formally independent on 20 May 2002. Gusmão has published an autobiography with selected writings entitled ''To Resist Is to Win''. He is the main narrator of the film ''A Hero's Journey''/''Where the Sun Rises'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.luxlucis.sg/index.swf |title=A Hero's Journey |access-date=17 December 2007 |archive-date=31 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831155351/http://www.luxlucis.sg/index.swf |url-status=live }}</ref> a 2006 documentary about him and East Timor. According to director Grace Phan, it's an "intimate insight into the personal transformation" of the man who helped shape and liberate East Timor.

==Independent East Timor==
[[File:President gusmao.jpg|left|thumb|Xanana Gusmão as the president of East Timor]]
On 21 June 2006, Gusmão called for Prime Minister [[Mari Alkatiri]] to resign or else he would, as allegations that Alkatiri had ordered a [[Guerrilla warfare|hit squad]] to threaten and kill his political opponents led to a large backlash.<ref>ABC News Online (2006). [http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200606/s1668821.htm Alkatiri's resignation 'would paralyse Govt'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060622195151/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200606/s1668821.htm |date=22 June 2006 }}. Retrieved 25 June 2006.</ref> Senior members of the Fretilin party met on 25 June to discuss Alkatiri's future as the Prime Minister, amidst a protest involving thousands of people calling for Alkatiri to resign instead of Gusmão.<ref>Reuters (2006). [http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2006-06-25T042258Z_01_SP8397_RTRUKOC_0_US-TIMOR.xml&archived=False East Timor ruling party meets to debate PM's future] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060705213850/http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2006-06-25T042258Z_01_SP8397_RTRUKOC_0_US-TIMOR.xml&archived=False |date=5 July 2006 }}. Retrieved 25 June 2006.</ref> Despite receiving a vote of confidence from his party, Alkatiri resigned on 26 June 2006 to end the uncertainty. In announcing this he said, "I declare I am ready to resign my position as prime minister of the government...so as to avoid the resignation of His Excellency the President of the Republic [Xanana Gusmão]."<ref>Agence France-Presse (2006). [http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,19591368%255E661,00.html East Timor PM quits] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060709111351/http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,19591368%255E661,00.html |date=9 July 2006 }}. Retrieved 26 June 2006.</ref> The 'hit squad' accusations against Alkatiri were subsequently rejected by a UN Commission, which also criticised Gusmão for making inflammatory statements during the crisis.<ref>{{cite web | title=Report of the United Nations Independent Special Commission of Inquiry for Timor-Leste | date=2 October 2006 | url=https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/COITimorLeste.pdf | via=ohchr.org | access-date=9 May 2020 | archive-date=25 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725064024/https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/COITimorLeste.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref>

Gusmão declined to run for another term in the [[2007 East Timorese presidential election|April 2007 presidential election]]. In March 2007 he said that he would lead the new [[National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction]] (CNRT) into the [[2007 East Timorese parliamentary election|parliamentary election]] planned to be held later in the year, and said that he would be willing to become prime minister if his party won the election.<ref>[http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21466137-2703,00.html "Gusmao to run for PM"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118005408/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21466137-2703,00.html |date=18 January 2008 }}, Associated Press (''The Australian''), 29 March 2007.</ref> He was succeeded as president by [[José Ramos-Horta]] on 20 May 2007.<ref>[http://english.people.com.cn/200705/21/eng20070521_376306.html "Horta sworn in as Timor-Leste's new president"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821175752/http://english.people.com.cn/200705/21/eng20070521_376306.html |date=21 August 2013 }}, Xinhua (''People's Daily Online''), 21 May 2007.</ref> The CNRT placed second in the June 2007 parliamentary election, behind Fretilin, taking 24.10% of the vote and 18 seats. He won a seat in parliament as the first name on the CNRT's candidate list.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070810223956/http://www.cne.tl/Eleisaun_Parlamentar/ACTA%20FINAL/aviso_publico_final%2009-07-07-ENGLISH.pdf "National Provisional Results from the 30 June 2007 Parliamentary Elections"], Comissão Nacional de Eleições Timor-Leste, 9 July 2007.</ref> The CNRT allied with other parties to form a coalition that would hold a majority of seats in parliament. After weeks of dispute between this coalition and Fretilin over who should form the government, Ramos-Horta announced on 6 August that the CNRT-led coalition would form the government and that Gusmão would become Prime Minister on 8 August.<ref>[http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-08-06-voa19.cfm "East Timor's Independence Hero To Be Next Prime Minister"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822032052/http://www.voanews.com/english/2007-08-06-voa19.cfm |date=22 August 2007 }}, VOA News, 6 August 2007.</ref><ref>Lindsay Murdoch, [http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/violence-greets-hortas-pm-decision/2007/08/06/1186252623815.html "Violence greets Horta's PM decision"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807060114/http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/violence-greets-hortas-pm-decision/2007/08/06/1186252623815.html |date=7 August 2017 }}, smh.com.au, 6 August 2007.</ref> Gusmão was sworn in at the presidential palace in Dili on 8 August.<ref name=AJ/>

On 11 February 2008, a motorcade containing Gusmão [[2008 East Timorese assassination attempts|came under gunfire]] one hour after President [[José Ramos-Horta]] was shot in the stomach. Gusmão's residence was also occupied by rebels. According to the Associated Press, the incidents raised the possibility of a [[2008 East Timorese coup d'état attempt|coup attempt]];<ref>{{Cite news|title=East Timor President Wounded in Attack |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-East-Timor-President.html?hp |work=The New York Times |date=10 February 2008 |access-date=10 February 2008}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> they have also described as possible assassination attempts<ref name = "Rudd-Timor">{{Cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/02/11/2159782.htm |title=Rudd pledges more troops for East Timor – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)<!-- Bot generated title --> |website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |access-date=16 May 2011 |archive-date=4 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804005041/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/02/11/2159782.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> and kidnap attempts.<ref name=Lawyer>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7250407.stm "E Timor arrests Reinado 'lawyer'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724142146/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7250407.stm |date=24 July 2020 }}, BBC News, 18 February 2008.</ref>

In the [[2012 East Timorese parliamentary election|2012 parliamentary elections]] in East Timor, Gusmão succeeded in re-entering parliament. With the CNRT as the strongest party, he also leads the new government as Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Alfredo Pires took over as Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources. Again, Gusmão renounced his seat in parliament.

At the beginning of 2015, Gusmão announced his intention to reshuffle the government and also to resign early himself. On 5 February, he informed his coalition partners that he intended to propose former Health Minister [[Rui Maria de Araújo|Rui Araújo]] as his successor and resigned by writing to President [[Taur Matan Ruak]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lusa |date=5 February 2015 |title=Partidos da coligação informados que Rui Araújo é o novo PM timorense |url=http://www.timorhauniandoben.com/2015/02/partidos-da-coligacao-informados-que.html?spref=fb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223215750/http://www.timorhauniandoben.com/2015/02/partidos-da-coligacao-informados-que.html?spref=fb |archive-date=2017-12-23 |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=Timor Hau Nian Doben |via=[[Archive.org]]}}</ref> The President accepted his resignation and appointed Araújo to form a new government.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-29 |title=East Timor president picks former health minister Rui Araujo to replace Xanana Gusmao as prime minister. |url=http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2015-02-11/east-timor-president-picks-former-health-minister-rui-araujo-to-replace-xanana-gusmao-as-prime-minis/1414087 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211110615/http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2015-02-11/east-timor-president-picks-former-health-minister-rui-araujo-to-replace-xanana-gusmao-as-prime-minis/1414087 |archive-date=2015-02-11 |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=Radio Australia |language=en-AU |via=[[Archive.org]]}}</ref> The handover of office took place on 16 February. In the new government, Gusmão is "Consultative Minister" and Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Members of the incoming Sixth Constitutional Government meet « Government of Timor-Leste |url=http://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=11219&lang=en |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=timor-leste.gov.tl |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:2 Xanana AMP campaign 2018-05-01.jpg|thumb|Gusmão at a [[Alliance for Change and Progress|AMP]] campaign event in 2018 in [[Oesilo]]]]
In the [[2017 East Timorese parliamentary election|2017 parliamentary elections]] in East Timor, Gusmão succeeded in entering parliament as the CNRT's list leader. However, the CNRT suffered heavy losses and came a close second behind Fretilin. On 4 August 2017, Gusmão announced his resignation as CNRT party leader. However, this resignation was not accepted at the extraordinary party congress and was later simply ignored.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-08-04 |title=Xanana Rezigna-an Hosi Presidente Partidu |url=https://tafara.tl/eleisaun-parlamentar/xanana-rezigna-an-hosi-presidente-partidu/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805221204/https://tafara.tl/eleisaun-parlamentar/xanana-rezigna-an-hosi-presidente-partidu/ |archive-date=2017-08-05 |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=Tafara |via=[[Archive.org]]}}</ref> The CNRT went into opposition, which is why Gusmão lost his ministerial post. He also renounced his seat in parliament after the first day of the session.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-09-06 |title=Deputadu Nain Haat Hosi Bankada CNRT Substitui Kargu |url=https://tatoli.tl/2017/09/06/deputadu-nain-haat-hosi-bankada-cnrt-substitui-kargu/ |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=TATOLI Agência Noticiosa de Timor-Leste |language=en-US}}</ref>[[File:2-TMR-XG 2018-04-26.jpg|thumb|The 2018 election winners: [[Taur Matan Ruak]] and Xanana Gusmão]]

In the [[Timor Gap|border disputes]] between Australia and East Timor, Gusmão worked as East Timor's chief negotiator. After the successful conclusion of the new [[Timor Gap Treaty|Timor Sea border treaty]] on 6 March 2018, he received a triumphant reception and a hero's welcome from thousands of East Timorese on his return to Dili.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-11 |title=Hero's welcome for Timor border negotiator |url=https://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/5277236/heros-welcome-for-timor-border-negotiator/ |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=Western Advocate |language=en-AU}}</ref> In the [[2018 East Timorese parliamentary election|2018 general elections]], Gusmão represented the CNRT in the [[Alliance for Change and Progress]] (AMP) trio and entered parliament at number one on the list.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Electoral lists of the general election 2018 |url=http://www.laohamutuk.org/Justice/2018/ElPar/ListaCandidatos.pdf |website=laohamutuk.org}}</ref> However, he renounced his mandate already for the first session on 13 June.<ref>Tafara: ''[https://tafara.tl/xanana-tmr-la-partisipa-iha-plenaria-fidelis-sira-hakarak-fo-opurtunidade-ba-deputadu-jovens/ Xanana TMR La Partisipa Iha Plenaria. Fidelis Sira Hakarak Fo Opurtunidade Ba Deputadu Jovens]{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}'', June 13, 2018</ref> On 5 July, Gusmão was appointed Minister of State of the Council of the Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment by President Francisco Guterres.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Decree President of the Republic No. 21/2018 iha 5 Jullu 2018 |url=https://www.facebook.com/289592191492394/photos/a.302133923571554.1073741829.289592191492394/467670830351195/?type=3&theater |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}}</ref> Due to the conflict with the President of the Republic over the appointment of CNRT ministers, Gusmão stayed away from the scheduled dates of his swearing-in ceremony and eventually renounced his position in the [[VIII Constitutional Government of East Timor|VIII Government]]. However, he continued to have responsibility for the Maritime Boundaries Office and continued negotiations with Australia until 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Browne |first=Peter |date=2018-08-14 |title=A first test for Timor-Leste's cohabitants |url=https://insidestory.org.au/a-first-test-for-timor-lestes-cohabitants/ |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=Inside Story |language=en}}</ref> On 18 December 2019, Gusmão was also appointed by Cabinet as the [[Blue economy|Blue Economy]] Representative.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Colo |first=Cipriano |date=2019-12-18 |title=KM Aprova Xanana Gusmão Reprezenta Governu ba Ekonomia Azúl |url=https://tatoli.tl/2019/12/18/km-aprova-xanana-gusmao-reprezenta-governu-ba-ekonomia-azul/ |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=TATOLI Agência Noticiosa de Timor-Leste |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the [[2022 East Timorese presidential election|2022 East Timor presidential elections]], Gusmão ran Ramos-Horta as the CNRT candidate. Gusmão played a central role in the election campaign, pushing Ramos-Horta into the background. In the event of an election, Gusmão announced that Ramos-Horta would dissolve parliament and call early elections. Ramos-Horta was more cautious about the matter and instead announced that he wanted to hold talks with all parties. On 20 May 2022, Ramos-Horta took up his second term as President.

In October 2022, several families in Dili's [[Aimeti Laran]] and [[Becusi Craic]] neighbourhoods were to be evicted from their homes. The landowner had enforced this in court, while the families justified their right to live there by saying they had been living there for decades. A team from the [[District Court (East Timor)|District Court]] and the [[National Police of East Timor|National Police]] had already removed the belongings of seven families in Becusi Craic when Xanana Gusmão intervened with media attention. He ordered the police officers to carry the families' belongings back into the houses and waited until they had finished the job. As a result, Judge Zulmira Auxiliadora Barros da Silva, who had ordered the evictions, was publicly defamed. The events became known as the "Aimeti Laran case" and the "Becussi Craic". In April 2023, the Conselho Superior da Magistratura Judicial (CSMJ) issued a press release expressing regret for the judge's "campaign of professional disparagement" and criticising the "total obstruction" of the execution of the sentence with the media present. The CSMJ concluded that the judge had acted correctly, declared its solidarity with the judicial officials involved and insisted on the sovereignty of the judiciary.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Conselho de magistratura timorense lamenta campanha de depreciação profissional a juiz - Primeiro diário caboverdiano em linha |url=https://www.asemana.publ.cv/?Conselho-de-magistratura-timorense-lamenta-campanha-de-depreciacao-profissional&ak=1 |access-date=2023-05-31 |website=ASemana}}</ref>

In the [[2023 East Timorese parliamentary election]], the CNRT won 41% of the votes and gained 31 seats out of 65 in the National Parliament.<ref>{{cite news |title=East Timor's opposition party wins most seats in parliamentary election |url=https://apnews.com/article/east-timor-parliamentary-election-d0e4fcf786061f3bc49526ade399fdbe |work=AP News |date=23 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref> On 1 July 2023, Gusmao was sworn in as prime minister after his party's victory in the parliamentary election.<ref>{{cite news |title=East Timor's independence hero Xanana Gusmao returns to power as prime minister |url=https://apnews.com/article/east-timor-prime-minister-gusmao-9d3f254834da006a71e1597f361a33a5 |work=AP News |date=1 July 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

==Awards and honours==
===Awards===
[[File:DIS Dili International School East Timor Timor Leste 001.jpg|thumb|Meeting Students of DIS – [[Dili International School]], 22 October 2009]]

In 1999, Gusmão was awarded the [[Sakharov Prize]] for Freedom of Thought.

In 2000, he was awarded the [[Sydney Peace Prize]] for being a "courageous and principled leader for the independence of the East Timorese people".

Also in 2000, he won the first [[Gwangju Prize for Human Rights]], created to honour "individuals, groups or institutions in Korea and abroad that have contributed in promoting and advancing human rights, democracy and peace through their work."<ref name=GP>{{cite web|url=http://518.org/eng/html/main.html?TM18MF=03020000 |title=Gwangju Prize for Human Rights |publisher=18 May Memorial Foundation |access-date=24 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603040007/http://www.518.org/eng/html/main.html?TM18MF=03020000 |archive-date=3 June 2011 }}</ref>

In 2002, he was awarded the [[North–South Prize]] by the [[Council of Europe]].

Gusmão is an Eminent Member of the [[Sérgio Vieira de Mello Foundation]].

===Honours===
*{{flag|Brazil}}:
**[[File:BRA - Order of the Southern Cross - Grand Cross BAR.svg|70px]] Collar of the [[Order of the Southern Cross]] (2012)
***{{flag|São Paulo}}:
****[[File:Ordem do Ipiranga.png|70px]] Grand Cross of the [[Order of Ipiranga]] (3 March 2011)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.al.sp.gov.br/repositorio/legislacao/decreto/2011/decreto-56801-03.03.2011.html | title=Decreto n.56.801, de 03.03.2011 }}</ref>
*{{flag|Indonesia}}: 
**[[File:Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna rib.svg|70px]] First Class Adipurna of the [[Star of the Republic of Indonesia]] (10 October 2014)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Prime Minister to receive Indonesia's highest medal of Honour on Friday « Government of Timor-Leste|url=http://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=10723&lang=en|website=timor-leste.gov.tl|language=en|access-date=22 May 2020|archive-date=4 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204045533/http://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=10723&lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|New Zealand}}: 
**[[File:New Zealand Order of Merit ribbon.svg|70px]] Honorary Companion of the [[New Zealand Order of Merit]] (6 July 2000)<ref>{{cite journal |title=The New Zealand Order of Merit |journal=[[New Zealand Gazette]] |date=6 July 2000 |id=Notice Number 2000-vr4883 |issue=75 |page=1801 |url=https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2000-vr4883 |access-date=27 October 2016 |archive-date=13 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713155514/https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2000-vr4883 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flag|Portugal}}:
**[[File:PRT Order of Prince Henry - Grand Collar BAR.svg|70px]] Grand Collar of the [[Order of Prince Henry]] (14 February 2006)<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2011-03-28 |title=HISTÓRIA DA ORDEM DO INFANTE D. HENRIQUE |url=https://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=128&idi=1921 |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=www.ordens.presidencia.pt}}</ref>
**[[File:PRT_Order_of_Liberty_-_Grand_Cross_BAR.svg|70px]] Grand Cross of the [[Order of Liberty]] (9 June 1993)
*{{flag|United Kingdom}}: 
**[[File:UK Order St-Michael St-George ribbon.svg|70px]] Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished [[Order of St Michael and St George|Order of Saint Michael and Saint George]] (2003)<ref>{{cite web |title=Biography - Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão |url=http://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=3&lang=en |website=Government of Timor-Leste |access-date=28 October 2021 |archive-date=28 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028134628/http://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=3&lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Works==
<!-- Last updated January 2025-->
{{small|(This list includes only works published in English.)}}
* {{cite book |title=A Travesty of Justice: Xanana's Defence |date=1996 |publisher=East Timor Relief Association |location=Fairfield, NSW, Australia |isbn=0646282034 |url={{GBurl|Bu7bAQAACAAJ}}}}
* {{cite book |last1=Gusmão |first1=Xanana |last2=Couto |first2=Mia |title=Mar Meu: Poemas e Pinturas / My Sea of Timor: Poems and Paintings |date=1998 |publisher=Granito Editores e Livreiros |location=Porto |isbn=9729753040 |language=pt, en}}
* {{cite book |last1=Bird |first1=Ross (photographs) |last2=Gusmão |first2=Xanana (text) |title=Inside Out East Timor |url={{GBurl|rT5wAAAAMAAJ}} |date=1999 |publisher=Herman Press |location=East Melbourne, Vic, Australia |isbn=0957718098}}
* {{cite book |title=To Resist is to Win!: The Autobiography of Xanana Gusmão with Selected Letters & Speeches |url={{GBurl|LO1wAAAAMAAJ}} |date=2000 |publisher=Aurora Books with David Lovell Publishing |location=Richmond, Vic, Australia |isbn=1863550712}}
* {{cite book |title=Peace-Building: The Challenge for East Timor |url=https://sydneypeacefoundation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2000-SPP_Xanana-Gusmao.pdf |series=2000 Sydney Peace Prize Lecture / CPACS Occasional Paper No. 00/4 |date=2000 |publisher=Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Sydney |location=Sydney |isbn=1864874376}}
* {{cite book |title=Timor Lives! speeches of freedom and independence |url={{GBurl|CuyZAAAACAAJ}} |date=2005 |publisher=Longueville Media |location=Alexandria, NSW, Australia |isbn=1921004169}}
* {{cite book |title=Strategies for the Future: Speeches 2007-2011 |url={{GBurl|_-s4MwEACAAJ}} |date=2012 |publisher=Longueville Books |location=Haberfield, NSW |isbn=9781920681784}}
* {{cite book |title=Raising a Nation: The Speeches of Xanana Gusmao 2011-2014 |url={{GBurl|OWAzrgEACAAJ}} |date=2015 |publisher=Longueville Media |location=Haberfield, NSW, Australia |isbn=9781920681999}}
* {{cite book |title=The Sky is Ours: Speeches on Unity, Prosperity, and Development in a New Timor-Leste 2017-2024 |date=2024 |publisher=Longueville Media |location=Haberfield, NSW, Australia |isbn=9781763536166}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Niner |first1=Sara |title=A Long Journey of Resistance: The Origins and Struggle of the CNRT |journal=[[Bulletin of Concerned Asian Scholars]] |date=2000 |volume=32 |issue=1 and 2 |pages=11–18 |doi=10.1080/14672715.2000.10415775 |url=https://www.academia.edu/2995028 |issn=0007-4810}}
* {{cite book |last1=Niner |first1=Sara |title=Xanana: Leader of the Struggle for Independent Timor-Leste |date=2009 |publisher=Australian Scholarly Publishing |location=North Melbourne, Vic |isbn=9781921509087 |url=https://bridges.monash.edu/articles/Xanana_Leader_of_the_Struggle_for_Independent_Timor_Leste/2003199 |access-date=9 April 2020 |archive-date=15 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215235803/https://bridges.monash.edu/articles/Xanana_Leader_of_the_Struggle_for_Independent_Timor_Leste/2003199 |url-status=live |author-mask1=5}}
* {{cite web |last1=Niner |first1=Sara |title=Of paintballs and power |url=https://insidestory.org.au/of-paintballs-and-power/ |website=Inside Story |access-date=30 November 2020 |date=17 February 2016 |archive-date=10 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210113524/https://insidestory.org.au/of-paintballs-and-power/ |url-status=live |author-mask1=5}}
* {{cite web |last1=Niner |first1=Sara |title=What a piece of work is a man! |url=https://www.newmandala.org/what-a-piece-of-work-is-a-man-xanana-gusmao-turns-70/ |website=New Mandala |publisher=[[Australian National University]] |access-date=9 April 2020 |date=20 June 2016 |archive-date=13 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413112006/https://www.newmandala.org/what-a-piece-of-work-is-a-man-xanana-gusmao-turns-70/ |url-status=live |author-mask1=5}}
* {{cite web |title=East Timor: Remembering History - The Trial of Xanana Gusmao and a Follow-up on the Dili Massacre |url=https://www.hrw.org/report/1993/04/01/east-timor-remembering-history/trial-xanana-gusmao-and-follow-dili-massacre |website=[[Human Rights Watch]] |access-date=2023-10-07 |language=en |date=1993-04-01}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{wikiquote}}
* [http://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=3&lang=en Official biography] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20070709173914/http://www.timor-leste.gov.tl/AboutTimorleste/pres.htm earlier version])

{{s-start}}
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-new|party}}
{{s-ttl|title=Leader of the [[National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction]]|years=2007–present}}
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{{s-new|office}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[President of East Timor]]|years=2002–2007}}
{{s-aft|after=[[José Ramos-Horta]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Estanislau da Silva]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Prime Minister of East Timor]]|years=2007–2015}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Rui Maria de Araújo]]}}
{{s-break}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Taur Matan Ruak]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Prime Minister of East Timor|years=2023–present}}
{{s-inc}}
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{{President of East Timor}}
{{East Timor prime minister}}
{{Current heads of government}}
{{Footer Gwangju Prize for Human Rights laureates}}
{{Footer Sydney Peace Prize laureates}}
{{Sakharov Prize 1988–2000}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gusmao, Xanana}}
[[Category:1946 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Ministers of defense of Timor-Leste]]
[[Category:East Timorese Christian socialists]]
[[Category:East Timorese people of Portuguese descent]]
[[Category:Fretilin politicians]]
[[Category:Grand Crosses of the Order of Liberty]]
[[Category:Grand Crosses of the Order of Prince Henry]]
[[Category:Honorary Knights Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George]]
[[Category:Honorary companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit]]
[[Category:National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction politicians]]
[[Category:People from Manatuto Municipality]]
[[Category:Presidents of Timor-Leste]]
[[Category:Prime ministers of Timor-Leste]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Grand Cross of the Order of Ipiranga]]
[[Category:Sakharov Prize laureates]]