Gusmão, Xanana Alexandre (1946- )

East Timorese politician, president 2002-2007. Gusmão was head of the Frente Revoluciánaria do Timor Leste Independente (Fretilin; Revolutionary Front of an Independent East Timor) guerrilla movement from 1979 and president of the National Council of Timorese Resistance from 1998. After the overwhelming vote for East Timorese independence from Indonesia in 1999, he played a key role in constructing the new democracy and healing wounds caused by inter-ethnic fighting.

After three years compulsory service in the colonial Portuguese forces, Gusmão worked briefly in local government and moved to Australia, before returning in 1975 to join the new Fretilin movement. After its guerrillas had been weakened during Indonesia's annexation of East Timor in 1975-76, he rebuilt their strength, using jungle bases, while also advocating peace negotiations and constructing political alliances. He was captured in 1992 and sentenced by the Indonesian authorities to 20 years' imprisonment for his armed attempts to establish a separate state. Under international pressure Gusmão was transferred to house arrest in Jakarta, Indonesia, in February 1999, and freed the following September. He stepped down as leader of Fretilin in August 2000.