Suriname Mourns the Passing of Former President Desi Bouterse

China’s Support Praised by National Democratic Party

Chinese ambassador Lin Ji signs the condolence book at the NDP office in Ocer.

The main opposition National Democratic Party has praised China for supporting the Desi Bouterse government, saying that the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country is still benefiting from that relationship.

“In 2019, former President Desi Bouterse paid a historic state visit to China, the most powerful country in Asia and an important player on the world stage. During that visit, the foundation was laid for numerous projects from which Suriname still benefits today,” the NDP said in a statement.

The statement follows the visit of the Chinese Ambassador to Suriname, Lin Ji, who paid his condolences to the NDP on behalf of President Xi Jinping and the people of the People’s Republic of China and later signed the condolence book.

Funeral Arrangements and Tributes

Bouterse, 79, died last week due to liver disease, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) said, adding that the report showed the probable date of death was Monday or Tuesday last week.

“The cause of death was determined to be a complication of liver failure in severe liver fibrosis, caused by chronic alcohol use,” according to the office of the Attorney-General.

The funeral will take place on Saturday, January 4. The government said it will not be a state funeral and that 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 are likely to attend the funeral.

On Thursday night, various artists paid tribute to Bouterse, who the NDP said loved music and had encouraged artists to develop their talents.

Bouterse’s Controversial Past

On 25 February 1980, Bouterse, as sergeant and chairman of the newly established military union, led a coup and deposed Prime Minister Henck Arron’s democratically elected government. The military then established the National Military Council (NMR), appointed a new government, and suspended the Constitution and parliament. The policy under Bouterse’s regime led to what would later be known as the December murders.

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.

The court ruled that although no evidence was provided that Bouterse shot one or more of the victims himself, there was evidence that he gave the order to do so and was in control of the massacre from the beginning to the end.

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.

Conclusion

Desi Bouterse’s passing marks the end of an era in Suriname’s politics, and his legacy is complex and controversial. While he was a key figure in the country’s history, his actions also led to significant human rights abuses and political instability.

FAQs

* What was Desi Bouterse’s cause of death?
+ Liver disease, caused by chronic alcohol use.
* When is the funeral taking place?
+ Saturday, January 4.
* Will foreign heads of state be invited to the funeral?
+ No, the government has not received any requests from foreign heads of government who are likely to attend the funeral.
* What was Desi Bouterse’s role in Suriname’s history?
+ He was a key figure in the country’s politics, serving as President from 2010 to 2020. He was also involved in a coup in 1980 and was later convicted of murder.