The Surinamese Military Dictatorship of Dési Bouterse and the Civil War

Desi Bouterse is a prominent political figure in the history of Suriname, and his time in power has been marked by significant political turmoil and human rights abuses. Here's an overview of the key events and periods associated with Desi Bouterse's rule in Suriname:
On February 25, 1980, Bouterse, then a sergeant in the Surinamese Armed Forces, led a military coup against the government of Henck Arron, who had been the Prime Minister of Suriname since its independence from the Netherlands in 1975. Bouterse and his group of military officers took control of the government, citing corruption and mismanagement as reasons for the coup. The coup marked the beginning of a period of military rule in Suriname.
After the coup, Bouterse assumed the position of de facto leader of Suriname and effectively controlled the government. His rule was characterized by authoritarianism and a lack of respect for human rights, with political opponents and activists often subjected to intimidation and violence.
One of the most infamous events during Bouterse's rule occurred on December 8, 1982, when 15 prominent opponents of the regime, including lawyers, journalists, and military officers, were arrested and subsequently executed without trial. These murders, known as the "December Murders," were widely condemned both domestically and internationally and became a symbol of the repressive nature of Bouterse's regime. Bouterse has been accused of direct involvement in these killings, though he has denied any responsibility.
The Surinamese Interior War, which began in 1986 and lasted until 1992, was a conflict primarily between Bouterse's government and rebel groups in the interior of the country. The main rebel group, known as the Jungle Commando, was led by Ronnie Brunswijk. The conflict had various complex factors, including ethnic tensions, economic disparities, and grievances among the Maroon population in the interior. The war resulted in significant casualties and displacement of people, particularly in the Maroon communities. Bouterse's government was accused of committing human rights abuses during the conflict, including the killing and displacement of civilians.
Desi Bouterse's rule in Suriname was marked by political instability, economic struggles, and a disregard for democratic norms and human rights. He served multiple terms as both a military and civilian leader over the years, and his time in power remained controversial and divisive. In the years following the end of the Interior War, Suriname has made efforts to transition to a more democratic and stable government.


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SOURCES
– Geschiedenis van Suriname. Van stam tot staat (Eveline Bakker, Leo Dalhuisen, Maurits Hassankhan, Frans Steegh).
– Suriname in the Long Twentieth Century. Domination, Contestation, Globalization (Rosemarijn Hoefte).
– https://npokennis.nl/longread/7548/wa... (01-09-2023).
– https://isgeschiedenis.nl/nieuws/binn... (01-09-2023).

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VIDEO
Video material from:
   • Vrede tussen Bouterse en Brunswijk  
Vrede tussen Bouterse en Brunswijk
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"Clenched Teeth" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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