Tens of Thousands Turn Out For Funeral of Suriname’s Former President Desi Bouterse
PARAMARIBO, Suriname – Thousands of people on Saturday, attended the funeral of former President Desi Bouterse, who died on December 23rd.
Despite his controversial past as a perpetrator of a military coup, the dictatorial regime he led from 1980 to 1988 and his conviction to 20 years in prison for murder, Bouterse was enormously popular with a large part of Surinamese society. He had a huge following, especially among young people, disadvantaged groups, the working class and women.
Although not a state funeral, the procession included soldiers and police for crowd control, and the Surinamese flag flew at half-mast at government buildings.
Defying orders of the army leadership, many soldiers attended in uniform to pay their respects to their former commander.
Bouterse, along with other officers, led the 1980 coup and after increasing pressure, held elections in 1987, which he lost. He briefly returned to power in a second coup in 1990. He later won the presidency in democratic elections in both 2010 and 2015.
Bouterse laid in state in a partially glass covered coffin, wearing his military uniform, cap, and signature sunglasses.
The funeral procession began at 7:00 AM (local time) traveling from the mortuary to his Leonsberg home after three fellow convicted soldiers, currently imprisoned, were given a chance to say goodbye. The three-hour procession was accompanied by supporters, some in military camouflage and balaclavas. Firefighters and soldiers saluted at barracks along the route, and nurses at a hospital sang a song associated with his political party.
The crowd swelled as the procession approached the headquarters of his political party, the NDP, the final destination of the 40-kilometer journey. Mourners walked, sang, danced, and honked their horns alongside the white hearse. Attendees, including politicians from neighboring Guyana, filed past the casket. Former Guyanese Minister of State and Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon, a friend of over 40 years, paid tribute, describing Bouterse as a leader who guided his nation through “times of both challenge and triumph,” embodying “resilience, integrity and progress.”
Harmon praised Bouterse’s advocacy for education, healthcare, and social justice, as well as his dedication to his country, friends, and family.
Former Guyanese Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, speaking virtually, also recalled a close relationship with Bouterse and highlighted his commitment to the friendship between Guyana and Suriname, citing the planned Corentyne River bridge as an example.
The event, a blend of a memorial service and political rally, lasted nearly six hours. NDP chairman Jennifer Simons reiterated Bouterse’s last message to the party: to win the 2025 elections and improve the lives of the Surinamese people. She subtly criticized the government for not granting a state funeral, emphasizing the “popular honor” Bouterse received, which was expressed by the massive turnout. Political allies, childhood friends and sports buddies also spoke, recalling Bouterse’s success as a long-distance runner.
Finally, Bouterse’s widow, Ingrid Bouterse-Waldring, spoke emotionally, stating, “We have braved storms and climbed mountains…Today I have seen how Suriname has loved Bouta. Suriname will not be the same after today.”
After significant delays in the program, the coffin was placed on a horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” one of Bouterse’s favorite songs, and transported to the crematorium with his wife riding on the box.
The private cremation took place in the evening, with thousands still gathered outside.
