However, a number of tensions and trends threaten to undermine the gains made to date. Various forms of violence persist: notably sexual and gender-based violence, and violence linked to the security sector, land, urban growth and youth groups. Crucially, many of the factors that have brought stability to Timor-Leste may not be sowing the seeds of sustainable peace. For example, questions remain over how Timor-Leste can transition away from the highly enigmatic but centralised political domination of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, whether it can move away from a ‘buying the peace’ approach, and how problems in the security sector can be resolved. Finally, while security has undoubtedly improved, this may be negated by socioeconomic inequalities and questions around how the gains made to date may be sustained. Timor-Leste’s experience, then, is a chequered story of security progress. While much has been achieved, there is still a long way to go.
There is a Tetun translation available of the summary of the Timor-Leste report.
The full report was amended on page 25 on 24th February 2016 to note that the Petroleum Fund had assets 10 times larger than GDP, not 3 times larger as previously stated.
The full report (p.26), the summary (p.4) and translated summary (p.4) were amended on 24th February 2016 to note that cash transfers per veteran were $8,000 per petitioner, not $8,500 as previously stated.
