Desi Bouterse, former dictator of Suriname, will be cremated on Saturday following his death from liver failure at 79. His party will hold remembrance gatherings, although there will be no state funeral. Bouterse’s political career includes leading two coups and facing a prison sentence for political executions, creating a divisive legacy within Suriname.
Desi Bouterse, the former dictator of Suriname who led two coups and faced serious allegations for political repression, will be cremated on Saturday, as announced by his political party. The former president, who passed away due to liver failure at the age of 79, will not receive a state funeral, and instead, commemorative gatherings are planned at the National Democratic Party headquarters. These gatherings, which will include singing and prayers, will honor his life and contributions to the nation. On the day of the cremation, flags at government buildings, including the presidential palace, will be flown at half-mast to signify respect for the deceased.
Desi Bouterse’s political career is marked by his initial rise to power as an army sergeant major following a coup in 1980. His rule, characterized by authoritarianism and human rights abuses, lasted until he was forced from power in the early 1990s. After a decade of political exile, he returned to the political landscape and was elected president in 2010, serving until 2020. Bouterse’s legacy is contentious, particularly after a 20-year prison sentence was upheld against him for the 1982 killings of political opponents, a situation which led him to live as a fugitive until his death.
The cremation of Desi Bouterse, a polarizing figure in Suriname’s history, marks the end of an era that saw both military coups and significant political transitions. Despite his controversial legacy, the observance of his death underscores the enduring impact he had on the nation. The decision to not hold a state funeral reflects the complex views surrounding his tenure and actions as a leader, while memorial services provide a space for reflection among his supporters.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
