Former Surinamese President Desi Bouterse has died at the age of 79, as reported by Surinamese media. According to “well-informed sources,” Bouterse passed away following a brief illness at a secret location, writes de Ware Tijd.
StarNieuws also reports this. Bouterse’s body has reportedly been transferred to the Surinamese capital, Paramaribo.
The family is said to be preparing to officially announce his death. Rumors of Bouterse’s death had been circulating in Suriname, prompting people to gather at the office of his party, the NDP, and his residence in Paramaribo, which was subsequently cordoned off.
Bouterse had been a fugitive since his conviction over a year ago for his role in the December murders of 1982, where fifteen opponents were killed at Fort Zeelandia in Paramaribo. After an arrest warrant was issued by the Surinamese authorities, Bouterse went into hiding and had not been seen since.
A raid was conducted at his residence two days ago, but nothing was reportedly found. Bouterse led the military regime in the 1980s following a coup and remained in power until 1988.
He returned to power through democratic elections in 2010 and was re-elected in 2015, serving as president until 2020.
Source: NOS