Suriname’s Ex-President Desi Bouterse to Receive No State Funeral

No State Funeral for Bouterse

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC—Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation Minister Albert Ramdin has said there will be no state funeral for the ex-president of Suriname, Desi Bouterse, who died on Tuesday last week.

He told reporters that the government’s decision was based on several arguments, considerations, and advice, including the fact that the family does not want a state funeral. No date for the funeral has yet been announced.

Decision Not to Bury with State or Military Honors

In addition, the leadership of the National Army and the Ministry of Defense have indicated that although Bouterse was also the commander of the army, it would be inappropriate to bury him with state or military honors because the Military Court sentenced him to prison for severe criminal offenses.

Foreign Heads of State Not Invited to Funeral

Ramdin said because it will not be a state funeral, no foreign heads of state will be invited, adding that the government in the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country has not yet received any requests from foreign heads of government who would like to attend the funeral.

Barbados Prime Minister’s Tribute

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley is so far the only CARICOM leader to publicly make a statement following Bouterse’s death.

“I have met many people in this job since I became Head of Government in May 2018. But there are some whose personality is so strong that they leave an indelible mark on all those with whom there has been interaction. Desi Bouterse was one such man. His history ranged from freedom fighter to Head of State of the Republic of Suriname. Whether you agree with him or not, you would have to appreciate the force of his personality,” Mottley said in a statement.

Personal Memories of Bouterse

She noted that Bouterse was the first of her CARICOM colleagues to engage with her during her first CARICOM summit in July 2018 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

“It was through his eyes and heart that I learned of the rich culture of this melting pot on the South American continent and, thus, began my love for the country and its people. During my visits to Suriname, he took me across the country, including the Brokopondo District, interacting with people from all walks of life in his unique way, whether singing with the griots or hugging children who gathered around”.

Mottley said that on her last visit to Suriname in July 2023, she was privileged that “Comrade Ralph (Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines) and I were able to meet Desi and spend time with him much of which was with laughter; but, alas, who knew that would be our last time together.”

The prime minister further mentioned that Bouterse and his wife, Ingrid, upon learning about Barbados’ plans in 2020 to build Golden Square Freedom Park, both said a park needs benches so people can sit and enjoy what it has to offer.

“With this statement, they immediately donated wooden benches made from Surinamese wood to enrich the friendship bonds between our two nations. I extend condolences on behalf of the people and Government of Barbados to his wife, Ingrid, his children, and the people of Suriname. May he rest in peace.”

Government’s Decision on Funeral

Ramdin said while there will be no period of national mourning, the government has decided that, because Bouterse was a democratically elected president, the flags at all state buildings will be at half-mast on the day of the funeral.

President Chandrikapersad Santokhi will not attend the funeral. It has been decided that the Minister of Domestic Affairs will represent the government at the funeral. He will also sign the condolence book for the National Democratic Party (NDP), which Bouterse founded.

The government will not open a condolence book, and President Santokhi will have a telephone conversation with the widow of the ex-president, Ingrid Bouterse-Waaldring, on Monday.

Bouterse’s Conviction and Sentence

Bouterse was sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Court of Justice in December 2023 on appeal for involvement in the murder of 15 people, including journalists, lawyers, and human rights activists, on December 8, 1982.

Ramdin, in explaining the decision not to grant a state funeral to Bouterse, said he carried out a military coup in 1980, followed by a period of military dictatorship during which his then government committed serious human rights violations.

In addition, following his conviction, Bouterse had been on the run ever since, along with his bodyguard, Iwan Dijksteel, who had also been sentenced to 15 years in jail.

But Ramdon acknowledged that the government believes the ex-president deserves a dignified funeral.

“Regardless of who it is, every deceased deserves a dignified and respectful burial. That is a general position of decency and standard that we must uphold in our society,” he said.

Investigation into Bouterse’s Death

Meanwhile, the Public Prosecution Service is investigating the circumstances under which Bouterse’s body was brought to his home last Wednesday. Several people, including his widow, have since been questioned by the police.

Mrs. Bouterse said that around 11:00 pm on Tuesday, an “unknown” indigenous man came to tell the family that Bouterse had died.

She said a few hours later, “unknown persons” brought the body from an “unknown” address to their residence in Leesburg. The body was shown to the police, who immediately called in a doctor by the guidelines.

“According to the doctor, the body showed no signs of foul play and was confiscated after consultation with the Public Prosecution Service for an autopsy to determine the probable cause of death,” the Suriname Police Force said, adding that it is making “an urgent appeal to society to await the results of the investigation and to refrain from speculation.”

Conclusion
The decision not to grant a state funeral to Suriname’s ex-president Desi Bouterse has been met with mixed reactions. While some have criticized the decision, others have praised the government’s decision to ensure a dignified burial for the former leader.

FAQs

Q: Why is there no state funeral for Desi Bouterse?
A: The government has decided not to grant a state funeral to Bouterse due to his history of human rights violations and his involvement in the murder of 15 people.
Q: Who will attend the funeral?
A: The Minister of Domestic Affairs will represent the government at the funeral, and President Santokhi will not attend.
Q: What is the reaction to the decision?
A: The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some criticizing the government’s decision and others praising it as a necessary step towards justice and accountability.