The Timorese government has appointed new commanders-general of the National Police of East-Timor (PNTL), marking the first time a woman has joined the top leadership.
In a government council meeting, Afonso dos Santos was named commander-general of the PNTL, and Natércia Martins was appointed deputy commander-general for a three-year term.
Natércia Martins, who previously headed the Migration Service, was promoted to assistant police commissioner last Saturday.
Afonso dos Santos and Natércia Martins replace the current commander, Commissioner-General Henrique da Costa, and deputy commander, Commissioner Pedro Belo, who have led the PNTL since 2023.
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Additionally, Superintendent Jorge Monteiro has been appointed executive director of the Migration Service.
The Interior Minister, Francisco Guterres, presented the findings of a report on the recruitment of new police officers, which identified “serious material irregularities.”
The report recommends that procedures be initiated to determine accountability for conduct that may have violated official duties or legal standards.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão announced that a new recruitment process for the PNTL will be launched.
The government had previously temporarily suspended the recruitment process after candidates and civil society organizations raised concerns about credibility and alleged favoritism.
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The Council of Ministers approved a resolution to partially annul the previous competition. The resolution mandates that cultural, psychological, and health assessments be repeated for all candidates who passed the initial document-based stage.
A new selection jury, including national and international members, will be appointed, and an independent “Supervision and Oversight Commission” will be created with international partners to ensure transparency, legality, and impartiality throughout the process.
