Taur Matan Ruak

José Maria de Vasconcelos, known by his popular name Taur Matan Ruak, was born on October tenth, nineteen fifty-six. He is a prominent East Timorese politician who made significant contributions to his country's political landscape. Ruak served as the fifth president of East Timor from two thousand twelve to two thousand seventeen and later took on the role of the ninth prime minister from two thousand eighteen until two thousand twenty-three.

Before his political career, Ruak was a key military figure, commanding the FALINTIL-Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) from two thousand two until October sixth, two thousand eleven. His military journey began as the last commander of the Armed Forces of National Liberation of East Timor, known as FALINTIL, which played a crucial role in resisting the Indonesian occupation from nineteen seventy-five to nineteen ninety-nine.

In two thousand eleven, after leaving the military, Ruak transitioned into politics, running as an independent candidate in the presidential election of two thousand twelve. His determination and leadership led him to victory in the second round of voting held in April of that year, marking the beginning of his presidency.