Desi Bouterse, Suriname’s former dictator, will be cremated on Saturday following his death from liver failure. His party plans remembrance events, but a state funeral has been ruled out. Bouterse’s tumultuous leadership is marked by coups and a prison sentence for political executions, complicating his legacy.
The remains of Desi Bouterse, the former dictator of Suriname, are set to be cremated on Saturday, as announced by his political party, the National Democratic Party (NDP). Bouterse, who died from liver failure complications at the age of 79, will not be accorded a state funeral due to his controversial legacy marked by human rights violations. A gathering for remembrance, featuring music and prayers, will occur at the NDP headquarters on the eve of his cremation, inviting family, friends, and party associates to commemorate his impact on the nation. Despite the absence of a formal state ceremony, flags at government facilities will be lowered to half-mast on the day of the cremation, a sign of respect amidst mixed public sentiment regarding his past. Bouterse’s tenure included two coups, a decade as president, and a prison sentence handed down for the execution of political adversaries, leading to his status as a fugitive prior to his demise.
Desi Bouterse seized power in Suriname through a military coup in 1980 and established a controversial regime that lasted until international pressure forced him to resign in 1987. He returned to power following a second coup in 1990 but later transitioned to a civilian role, serving as president from 2010 until 2020. Bouterse was convicted in absence for his role in the 1982 killings of political opponents, ultimately facing a 20-year prison sentence. His death from liver failure, attributed to chronic alcohol consumption, reflects the tumultuous life he led, steeped in both politics and controversy.
In summary, the cremation of Desi Bouterse on Saturday marks the end of a highly contentious political legacy in Suriname. While his party plans a homage to his contributions, the overall public reaction remains divided owing to his autocratic rule and human rights abuses. The government’s decision to deny a state funeral encapsulates the complexity surrounding his memory, as flags will honor his passing despite his disputed legacy.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
