In a statement, Fundasaun Mahein said the use of the term “dismissal” in the December 1 media announcements came as a personal shock to Brigadier General Coliati.

“Major General Lere Anan Timur explained that this “dismissal” was simply a change of position, and that Brigadier General Coliati has been nominated instead as Director of the National Defence Institute, while Commodore Pedro Klamar Fuik has been nominated as F-FDTL’s Chief of Staff,” Fundasaun Mahein said in the statement.

The non-profit organisation said a key factor behind the controversy is that the deliberation by the Council of Ministers “did not include a clear explanation about the fundamental basis of the proposed dismissal.”

It also criticised local media for “failing in their responsibility to demand a clear explanation from the Government about its decision.”

“In the current case, the proposal to dismiss Brigadier General Coliati was only just approved by the Council of Ministers. This process is therefore not yet finalised, as the Council of Ministers must still send the proposal to the President of the Republic.”

Important points, they say, is that Coliati was nominated for the role of F-FDTL Chief of Staff on 29 October 2018 for an initial two-year mandate that can only be renewed once with an official nomination. They also highlight that Coliati has passed retirement age.

“However, if Brigadier General Coliati is indeed “dismissed” from the position of F-FDTL Chief of Staff, this is not a “dismissal” from F-FDTL, nor is it based on some action committed by the General,” they said.

“Hence the explanation from Lieutenant General Lere Anan Timur stating that the intention of the proposed “dismissal” of Brigadier General Coliati’s from his current position is to nominate him for a new role as Director of the National Defence Institute, which is a normal occurrence in military careers to gain experience in various areas.”