Suriname Ex-Dictator Desi Bouterse Dies at 79, Leaving a…

Desi Bouterse, the former dictator and president of Suriname, has died at the age of 79. A fugitive due to his conviction for executing political opponents, Bouterse rose to power through coups in the 1980s and 90s and later served as president from 2010 to 2020. Current President Chan Santokhi expressed condolences and called for calm among citizens.

Desi Bouterse, aged 79, the former dictator turned elected president of Suriname, has passed away, as confirmed by the government on Wednesday. His death, which occurred on Tuesday, followed rumors about his sudden illness and came after he had lived in hiding as a fugitive, avoiding capture for his role in the execution of political adversaries. Despite his controversial legacy, Bouterse maintained significant support among poorer and working-class citizens throughout his life.

Rising to power in 1980 following a military coup, Bouterse served as a young army sergeant major. He was compelled to resign in 1987 due to international pressure stemming from accusations of political violence. Nevertheless, he returned to the helm in 1990 after a bloodless coup, albeit stepped down a year later. He would eventually be elected president of Suriname in 2010, in which capacity he served for a decade until 2020.

Current President Chan Santokhi expressed his condolences to Bouterse’s family and called for peace among the populace. He noted that citizens are awaiting further details regarding the late leader’s death from official sources. Reports suggested that Bouterse’s remains were taken to his residence in Paramaribo, where family members and supporters from the National Democratic Party converged on Christmas Day to pay their respects.

Desi Bouterse was a significant figure in Surinamese politics, having dominated the landscape first as a military leader before transitioning to a democratically elected president. His regime was marked by accusations of severe human rights abuses, particularly the execution of political opponents in the early 1980s. Bouterse’s rule has been characterized by a complex mixture of authoritarianism and popular support, particularly from lower socioeconomic classes. His controversial actions have left a lasting impact on the nation, leading to a fraught legacy.

The death of Desi Bouterse marks the end of an era for Suriname, characterized by his tumultuous leadership and the controversies surrounding his governance. Bouterse’s complex legacy continues to elicit varying reactions among citizens, particularly concerning his human rights abuses versus the support he garnered from certain social groups. His passing, while igniting discussions on his impact, will also compel future generations to reconcile with the nation’s past.

Original Source: www.scmp.com