Suriname’s government announced that former President Desi Bouterse, who died as a fugitive, will not receive a state funeral. Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin conveyed that flags would be flown at half-staff, yet there would be no national mourning due to Bouterse’s controversial legacy and legal troubles, which included serious convictions for murder and drug trafficking.
Suriname’s Government declared on December 28, 2024, that no state funeral will be held for former President Desi Bouterse, who passed away as a fugitive from justice. Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin announced this decision, emphasizing that it was made following consultations and the authority of current President Chan Santokhi. Ramdin added that there would be no period of national mourning, although flags will be flown at half-staff as a sign of respect on the day of Bouterse’s funeral. Bouterse, a controversial figure who governed through military coups and later presidential elections, had a tumultuous legacy marked by his in-absentia convictions for serious crimes, including drug trafficking and the 1982 execution of political opponents, for which he was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year. Despite his controversial history, he maintained a degree of popularity among certain segments of the Surinamese population.
Desi Bouterse served as Suriname’s President and was a significant military figure who led two coups in the 1980s. His rule was marred by accusations of human rights abuses, drug trafficking, and involvement in the execution of political adversaries. Although he regained power as an elected official in 2010 and held office until 2020, Bouterse’s legacy is highly divisive in Suriname. When he died on December 24, 2024, he was evading a prison sentence for his crimes, complicating how the government would respond to his death.
The Surinamese government’s decision not to hold a state funeral for Desi Bouterse underscores the complexity of his legacy and the ongoing consequences of his past actions. While the government has chosen to honor his status with a gesture of flying flags at half-mast, the lack of a formal farewell reflects the significant controversy surrounding his life and rule. The circumstances of his death as a fugitive, paired with his previous convictions, prompted this decision against traditional honors for former leaders.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
