Bir LahlouJune 23, 2026 (SPS) – The President of the Sahrawi Republic and Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Mr. Ibrahim Ghali, extended his deep condolences to the leadership of the Revolutionary Front for the Independence of East Timor (Fretilin) and the people of East Timor following the death of the former President of the Republic and head of the party, Francisco Guterres “Lu Olo”.
The condolence message addressed to the Secretary-General of the Fretilin Party, Dr. Marie Alcatiri, expressed, on behalf of the Polisario Front and the Sahrawi people, my sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, his friends and comrades in the party, and all the Timorese people in these painful moments of national mourning.
President Ibrahim Ghali praised the late man’s career, describing him as one of the most prominent figures in the history of East Timor, and a statesman who devoted his life to the struggle for self-determination, freedom and national sovereignty.
The Sahrawi President also highlighted the pivotal role that the deceased played within the Fretilin Party and in the leadership of the Timorese state, stressing that his courage, steadfastness, and adherence to democratic values inspired generations of East Timorese and contributed to directing the path of state building after independence.
President Ibrahim Ghali pointed out that the deceased’s influence was not limited to the national arena, but rather he was a voice defending international justice and the rights of peoples to self-determination. In this context, he recalled his principled and firm support for the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, considering that this embodies the humanitarian vision and international values that characterized his political life.
The letter added that Francisco Guterres believed that the struggle for freedom and dignity is a global struggle, and that people seeking justice must stand in solidarity among themselves to achieve their legitimate aspirations.
The Sahrawi President affirmed that the Sahrawi people share the feelings of sadness and grief with the people of East Timor over the loss of a patriotic statesman and loyal fighter for his people, whose sacrifices and leadership contributed to transforming the aspirations of his people into a tangible reality.
