Religious Organizations Call for Calm Amid Reports of Plot to Overthrow Suriname Government
A plot to overthrow the government of President Chandrikapersad "Chan" Santokhi has been reported in Suriname, with several religious organizations calling on the population to remain calm.
Background
The Inter-Religious Council in Suriname (IRIS) and the Christian Churches Committee (CCK) have issued a joint statement urging the population to remain calm and peaceful. The organizations have reliable information that certain groups want to unleash unrest in the country with a view to overthrowing the Santokhi government.
Reports of Insurrection
The possible insurrection is linked to efforts aimed at preventing the state from carrying out the ruling of the Court of Justice last December that sentenced former president Desi Bouterse and five others to lengthy prison terms for their involvement in the December 8, 1982, murders of 15 men, including journalists, military officers, union leaders, lawyers, businessmen, and university lecturers.
Government Response
President Santokhi has told a Suriname-based online publication, Starnieuws, that the information provided by the CCK and the IRIS in a letter to him is being taken seriously. He has requested further information from the organizations and called on them to adhere to the constitution’s requirement that members of the Assembly be elected every five years.
National Security Committee
The President has also requested information from the Intelligence and Security Services and will discuss the matter with the Ministers of Justice & Police, Defense and Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation. The matter will also be brought to the attention of the National Security Committee.
Constitutional Requirements
The religious leaders have emphasized that the Suriname Constitution stipulates that a new parliament is elected every five years, based on which the vice-president and president are also elected. They have also stressed that no one in Suriname is above the law and that any final judgment of the Court of Justice must be implemented.
NDP Response
The main opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) has expressed "great surprise" at the statement issued by the religious organizations. The party has questioned why efforts should be made now to overthrow the current administration, especially when general elections are due next year.
Conclusion
The situation in Suriname remains tense, with religious organizations calling for calm and the government taking steps to maintain order and peace. The opposition party has expressed its concerns about the timing of the alleged plot and has called on its members and sympathizers to remain united and focused on the upcoming elections.
FAQs
- What is the alleged plot to overthrow the government of President Chandrikapersad "Chan" Santokhi?
The alleged plot is a reported attempt to overthrow the government of President Santokhi, with certain groups seeking to unleash unrest in the country. - Who has issued a statement urging calm and peace?
The Inter-Religious Council in Suriname (IRIS) and the Christian Churches Committee (CCK) have issued a joint statement urging the population to remain calm and peaceful. - What is the response of the government to the alleged plot?
President Santokhi has told a Suriname-based online publication, Starnieuws, that the information provided by the CCK and the IRIS in a letter to him is being taken seriously. He has requested further information from the organizations and called on them to adhere to the constitution’s requirement that members of the Assembly be elected every five years. - What is the response of the opposition party to the alleged plot?
The main opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) has expressed "great surprise" at the statement issued by the religious organizations and has questioned why efforts should be made now to overthrow the current administration, especially when general elections are due next year.