Former Surinamese President Desi Bouterse Dies at 79

Death Confirmed

Well-placed sources have confirmed that Former Surinamese President Desi Bouterse, 79, died on Tuesday following a short illness.

They said that he died at his hiding place and that the body had since been transferred to the capital, Paramaribo.

The family has not yet announced the death, but several members of his National Democratic Party (NDP), as well as close family friends, have confirmed his death. Members of the NDP have gathered at the party center in Geyersvlijt to comfort each other and await the formal announcement.

Bouterse’s Political Career

Bouterse first came to power when he and 15 other soldiers of the National Army carried out a successful coup on February 25, 1980, deposing the democratically elected government of Henck Arron. Large parts of society welcomed the coup, and the military rulers initially received support from left-wing political parties.

Bouterse ruled as de facto head of government from the time of his seizure of power as chairman of the then Policy Centre until the elections of 25 November 1987, when the Front for Democracy and Development (NPS, VHP, and KTPI), led by Arron, achieved a resounding victory, winning 40 of the 51 seats in parliament.

However, this defeat did not diminish Bouterse’s political power and military. He remained commander of the National Army, and on December 24, 1990, the army staged another coup after Bouterse clashed with the government led by President Ramsewak Shankar.

Criminal Conviction

But Bouterse and his bodyguard, Iwan Dijksteel, had been on the run from justice since December 2023, after they were both charged and convicted with the December 8, 1982, murders of 15 men, including journalists, military officers, union leaders, lawyers, businessmen, and university lecturers. Bouterse was given a 20-year jail term, and wDijksteel was sentenced to 15 years in jail.

The prosecution had alleged that the men were arrested on December 7 and 8 nights and transferred to Fort Zeelandia, the then headquarters of the Surinamese National Army. They said the men were tortured and summarily executed.

Conclusion

Desi Bouterse’s death marks the end of a tumultuous political career marked by coups, corruption, and human rights abuses. His legacy will be remembered for its controversy and complexity, and his death will likely be met with a mix of reactions from those who supported and opposed him.

FAQs

* When did Desi Bouterse die?
+ Tuesday, following a short illness.
* Where did Bouterse die?
+ At his hiding place, with the body later transferred to Paramaribo.
* What was Bouterse’s political career marked by?
+ Coups, corruption, and human rights abuses.
* What was Bouterse convicted of?
+ The December 8, 1982, murders of 15 men, including journalists, military officers, union leaders, lawyers, businessmen, and university lecturers.