HONG KONG — East Timor’s prime minister, Xanana Gusmão, submitted his resignation Friday as the government began a political restructuring meant to ease the young country’s often-fraught politics.

Mr. Gusmão, 68, was a leader of East Timor’s movement to gain independence from Indonesia and served as the country’s first president, from 2002 to 2007, before spending seven years as prime minister.

In a statement announcing Mr. Gusmão’s move, Minister of State Agio Pereira said, “Members of government, staying, leaving and incoming, are all working together, prioritizing the national interest.”

Mr. Gusmão’s replacement has not been announced, but the structural reshuffling is expected to bring more opposition figures into the government.