Desi Bouterse, former president of Suriname, died at 79 after a short illness. He gained power through military coups and faced legal issues for past human rights violations, including a conviction for the 1982 killings of fifteen individuals. His death has been confirmed by party members, but the family has yet to make an official announcement.
Desi Bouterse, the former president of Suriname, passed away at the age of 79 on Tuesday due to a brief illness. Reports indicate that he died at a location where he had been in hiding, with his body subsequently moved to Paramaribo. While his family has yet to publicly confirm the news, members of his National Democratic Party (NDP) and close friends have corroborated the reports, gathering at party headquarters to grieve and await official announcements.
Bouterse rose to power in 1980 through a military coup that ousted then-democratically elected Prime Minister Henck Arron, garnering initial support from parts of society and left-wing political factions. He served as the de facto leader until elections in 1987, where his party was defeated, yet he maintained significant influence as commander of the National Army. In 1990, he orchestrated another coup amid conflicts with President Ramsewak Shankar, resulting in Johan Kraag being elected president.
In the turbulent political landscape that followed, Bouterse’s NDP witnessed fluctuating fortunes, returning to power after the 1996 elections. He then appointed Jules Wijdenbosch as president, only for Wijdenbosch to face early elections due to public protests. Bouterse’s return to the presidency occurred in 2010, with a reelection in 2015. However, by December 2023, he and a bodyguard were fugitives due to their convictions for the 1982 killings of fifteen individuals, leading to a 20-year prison sentence.
Bouterse’s legal troubles included an International Police (INTERPOL) Red Notice for his arrest, as authorities pursued him following his conviction in 2021 for the historical murders. He had appealed the verdict, which followed a protracted legal battle that commenced several years prior. This week, police attempted to locate him during a raid at his residence but were unsuccessful. The official response from law enforcement remains undisclosed.
Desi Bouterse had a long and complex political career in Suriname, marked by his initial coup in 1980 that established him as a military ruler. His governance witnessed various changes in political dynamics, with the NDP alternating between positions of power and opposition. Despite his military background and the support he garnered initially, his legacy was marred by his eventual conviction for the 1982 extrajudicial killings that fueled public debate on justice and accountability in Suriname’s history. Bouterse’s life encapsulated the tumultuous political history of the nation, reflecting changing alliances and the persistent struggles within Surinamese society.
In summary, the passing of Desi Bouterse marks the end of a significant yet controversial chapter in Suriname’s political history. His rise to power through military coups and extended periods of governance were characterized by both initial public support and eventual legal repercussions for his actions. Bouterse’s legacy remains a contentious topic, particularly regarding his convictions for past human rights violations.
Original Source: www.guardian.co.tt
