DILI, East Timor — East Timor police and military located rebel leader, Gastao Salsinha, who is believed to have aided in the assassination attempts on the country’s President and Prime Minister in February. Salsinha says he is planning to surrender but not before his followers join him.
On February 11, rebel soldiers attacked President Horta during his morning walk, shooting him twice in the back. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao was also attacked but escaped unharmed. The President returned to his duties last week after a two month recovery in Darwin, Australia.
Salsinha is East Timor’s most wanted man for his involvement in the attacks. After rebel leader Aldredo Reinado was shot and killed during the attack on President Horta, Salsinha took command. Salsinha is currently staying in a house in Ermera district, and says he will remain there until the other rebel members join him.
The UN has reported that Salsinha has met with representatives of the Prosecutor General’s office, FFDTL, military, and a church in the town of Gleno, to discuss the conditions of his surrender.
The recent rebel and gang violence stems from a 2006 incident where 600 military members were fired for protesting alleged discrimination. In the bitter dispute, the army divided into factions, causing 37 deaths and forcing 150,000 from their homes. On Thursday, during a fight between rival martial arts gangs, one member was decapitated, local police detective chief, Rogerio Gueterres said.
President Horta announced on his return that he would renew the country’s efforts to combat the increasing violence and poverty rates.
For more information, please see:
ABC, Radio Australia — East Timor authorities locate rebel leader — 25 April 2008
ABC News — East Timor rebel leader may surrender — 25 April 2008
Reuters — Two killed in East Timor gang violence — 24 April 2008
