Suriname confirms fugitive ex-president Bouterse's death; Reactions very divided

The Surinamese government confirmed media reports from overnight and Wednesday morning that the country's fugitive former president, Desi Bouterse, has died at the age of 79. Bouterse remained an intensely polarizing figure in the South American country, the former Dutch colony which transitioned from the start of the 1950s to independence in 1975. There were varied and divided reactions to the death of the former military leader who consolidated power with the December Murders, when 15 unarmed political opponents were killed in 1982.

"The government has been informed of the passing of Mr. D. Bouterse, former president of the Republic of Suriname, through the family and its own investigation," said Minister Albert Ramdin of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation (BIBIS). "Further information on the matter will follow as soon as possible," the minister said.

The hearse with his remains left his home for the morgue as Wednesday morning began in the country. A police car escorted the hearse and coffin, as his political party members drove behind in procession.

Bouterse fled from authorities in January 2024, shortly after his final conviction and sentencing for his role in the December Murders. He was ordered to turn himself in to begin a 20-year prison sentence. While on the run, his National Democratic Party appointed him to the role of honorary chair, with plans to pardon him if he won the elections in May 2025.

For top Amsterdam criminal defense attorney Gerard Spong, the death of the former president and fugitive created a sense of ambivalence and a lack of resolution. He told ANP on Wednesday that "no matter how you look at it" Bouterse was a man with a lot of blood on his hands.

Spong was involved in the investigation into the December Murders, having lost friends and colleagues to the acts of torture and political assassinations that took place at Fort Zeelandia. The ambivalent feeling that Bouterse's death gives the lawyer is because Bouterse was a fugitive from justice who did not serve out his punishment.

"But he was a man who held Suriname hostage for 40 years and caused a lot of misery in that country. So I will not grieve for that," Spong said. "It gives a very bad feeling when someone like that goes to the happy hunting grounds with impunity."

Spong's feelings were not shared by Bouterse's friends and supporters who stuck by him through decades of domestic and international controversy. "It is a great loss for the country and for the party, but fortunately we can at least take the ideals with us and keep them," said Ramon Abrahams, a vice-chair at the National Democratic Party. He is convinced that the National Democratic Party will continue Bouterse's work. "He was gone for a year, we just kept going, didn't we?"

Former Vice President Ashwin Adhin said that part of the Surinamese identity was lost with the man's death. "Suriname will never be the same again," said Adhin, who was vice president under Bouterse from 2015 to 2020.

Indeed, Bouterse's death sparked mixed reactions from political figures, advocacy groups, and members of the Surinamese diaspora. While some call for calm and reflection, others express regret that Bouterse will not face the full weight of justice for his actions.

John Brewster, chairman of the Diaspora Institute Netherlands (DIN), emphasized the importance of maintaining order in the wake of Bouterse's passing, especially as Suriname prepares for its crucial elections next year.

“I always look at what is best for Suriname. Right now, that is peace and no chaos,” Brewster told ANP. “I urge all Surinamese, especially those in the diaspora, to remain calm and keep a clear head.”

Brewster highlighted the significance of the upcoming elections on May 25, 2025, as the nation approaches its 50th year of independence. He stressed the importance of ending corruption to ensure Suriname benefits fully from the billions in revenue anticipated from offshore oil discoveries.

“These elections are critical for Suriname’s future. They will determine which direction the country takes over the next 50 years,” he said.

For victims’ advocates, Bouterse’s death leaves unresolved questions of accountability. Romeo Hoost, chairman of the Committee for the Remembrance of Victims of Suriname, expressed disappointment that Bouterse avoided serving his 20-year prison sentence for his role in the December Murders.

“He should have lived to serve his sentence,” Hoost said in an interview with ANP. “That would have been the only way for him to feel the consequences of what he did to the people of Suriname.”

Hoost directly pointed to Bouterse’s involvement in the torture and execution of 15 political opponents during his military regime. “He personally participated in the murders of 15 people. That is a scar that Suriname still carries today,” Hoost said.

Hoost also questioned the medical care Bouterse received during his time in hiding. “He was seriously ill and receiving kidney dialysis at home. Perhaps something went wrong medically, or he didn’t receive the right medication,” he said.

Hoost added that Bouterse might have survived if he had surrendered to authorities and served his sentence in prison, where he would have received proper medical attention.

Brewster acknowledged the sharp divide in public opinion over Bouterse’s legacy. “The December Murders left a deep scar on Suriname, but at the same time, he was a charismatic leader who had a large following, particularly among young people,” Brewster said.

The upcoming elections remain a focal point for many in Suriname and its diaspora. Brewster underscored the need to keep national unity as a priority. “What matters most is that Suriname moves forward peacefully and avoids chaos,” he said.