Gusmoa declared on Saturday that CNRT would operate in opposition until 2023, leaving the governing bloc to a coalition made-up of Fretilin, Khunto and the People’s Liberation party.

Resigning Ministers included Dionísio da Costa Babo Soares, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Arsénio Pereira da Silva,  Secretary of State for Cooperatives, Nélio Isaac Sarmento, Secretary of State for Youth and Sport, Abilio Caeteno, Secretary of State for Sport and  Dulce de Jesus Soares, the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports.

Pereira, speaking on behalf of his CNRT comrades soon after he met with Prime Minister Ruak and submitted the resignation letter, said their decision was made to support Gusmao’s actions.