Renewed civil unrest has broken out in several parts of Timor-Leste, affecting people in the capital Dili as well as the districts of Baucau and Viqueque.

We expect unrest is likely to continue in the short term, with the chance of a more sustained period of instability over the months to come.

The recent unrest arose in response to the 6 August announcement by the President that a coalition led by Xanana Gusmao, of the National Council of Timorese Resistance, should form the next government. The Fretilin party, which won the greatest number of seats in the 30 June parliamentary election, but not enough to form a majority (unlike the coalition), has refused to accept the results.

Rock throwing and fighting has occurred frequently since the announcement, in several areas of Dili including near internally displaced people's (IDP) camps. In the district of Viqueque, an estimated 140 houses were burned on 9 August and people are now fleeing. In the district of Baucau, four NGO offices were attacked on 7 August.

Thousands of people in Viqueque have been left homeless and are now in need of shelter.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people, particularly in Dili, have lived in IDP camps for over a year. This latest violence is likely to further entrench tensions between 'easterners' (seen as pro-Fretilin) and 'westerners' (seen as anti-Fretilin). IDPs are unlikely to leave the camps until the security situation improves.

Ongoing unrest has disrupted the education of many children and youths, particularly IDPs. The renewed violence may cause further disruption - particularly for those in Viqueque.

Plan has development programs in the districts of Lautem and Aileu, and emergency programs in and around Dili. We are not operational in the district of Viqueque, although there is a chance that IDPs may flee this district towards the neighbouring Lautem.

In Dili, children affected by the crisis, particularly those in affected IDP camps, will need close attention to ensure their rights are protected during the unrest. In the longer term, water and sanitation and ongoing child protection in IDP camps will remain a priority.

The families forced to flee their houses in Viqueque district will need food, clean water and shelter.

We continue to closely monitor the situation.