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Desi Bouterse, ex-Suriname dictator, dies at 79

Bouterse was celebrated by supporters for his charisma and populist social programs, while opponents labeled him a ruthless dictator, citing his convictions for drug trafficking and extrajudicial killings.

Surinamese vice-president Ronnie Brunswijk expressed on Facebook that Bouterse's “life had a lasting impact on our country and his efforts will not be forgotten.” (Express File)

Desi Bouterse, a military leader who orchestrated a coup in 1980 in Suriname, has passed away at the age of 79. He later returned to power through elections three decades later, despite facing allegations of drug smuggling and murder.

Surinamese vice-president Ronnie Brunswijk expressed on Facebook that Bouterse’s “life had a lasting impact on our country and his efforts will not be forgotten.” The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.

Bouterse was celebrated by supporters for his charisma and populist social programs, while opponents labeled him a ruthless dictator, citing his convictions for drug trafficking and extrajudicial killings.

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In December 2023, he received a 20-year prison sentence for the 1982 murders of 15 political opponents during his military regime, concluding a lengthy 16-year legal battle. However, he disappeared and never served his sentence.

“Dutch historian Pepijn Reeser, who authored a biography on Bouterse in 2015, remarked, ‘No one has influenced Suriname’s history since its independence like Desi Bouterse.'”

(With AP inputs)

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