Desi Bouterse, former Surinamese dictator and elected president, died at 79 after evading justice for political murders. He first came to power in a coup in 1980, stepped down in 1987, and returned to power in 1990. Bouterse was convicted in absentia for human rights abuses and was a fugitive until his death. While controversial, he remained popular among many citizens for social welfare policies.
Desi Bouterse, the former dictator and subsequently elected president of Suriname, passed away at the age of 79. The government announced his death, which occurred after a brief illness, while he was evading justice for the murder of political opponents. Bouterse initially seized power in 1980 through a military coup, later stepping down under international pressure due to political violence accusations. He returned to power in 1990 without bloodshed and served as president from 2010 to 2020, maintaining a significant following among the impoverished and working-class citizens of Suriname. Following his death, President Chan Santokhi expressed condolences and called for calm among the populace.
Bouterse’s legacy is marked by a tumultuous political history, including an arrest warrant issued by Interpol related to a 1999 drug trafficking conviction in the Netherlands, and an in absentia conviction in 2019 for the execution of 15 individuals during his regime. Despite these controversies, he was remembered by supporters for policies including universal school meals and free healthcare. Bouterse’s last days were spent in hiding, and he had voiced intentions to potentially re-enter politics. His funeral was attended by family and National Democratic Party (NDP) supporters, reflecting the loyalty he maintained until his death.
Desi Bouterse was born in 1945 and received military training in the Netherlands, where he later became a prominent critic. He rose to power in Suriname following a military coup in 1980, gaining notoriety for his authoritarian rule and involvement in political killings. Bouterse’s tenure was marred by accusations of drug trafficking and human rights violations, leading to a complex judicial history, culminating in his convictions both in absentia and ongoing fugitive status. Nevertheless, he retained a degree of popularity due to social policies aimed at improving the lives of the underprivileged in Suriname.
Desi Bouterse’s passing at 79 marks the end of a controversial life characterized by political upheaval, allegations of crime, and a lasting impact on Suriname’s governance. Although plagued by legal troubles and accusations of human rights violations, he remained a celebrated figure among certain segments of the population for his social policies. His legacy is undeniably complex, as Bouterse’s actions shaped the historical and political landscape of Suriname for decades.
Original Source: www.insidenova.com
