Bouterse’s Reaction to Invasion Rumors

Suriname Developments

According to Embassy reporting, Bouterse met in emergency session with the Topberaad – Bouterse’s main advisory group – on December 8 to inform the council that a foreign invasion of Suriname was about to be launched. The Embassy report gave no information on the source of the rumors.

  • Bouterse speculated that invasion plans may have been sparked by recent reports of Bush Negro killings in Eastern Suriname.

In an uncharacteristic move, Bouterse asked party leaders to advise him on measures to be taken. Bouterse reportedly agreed to an election timetable, based on the Topberaad’s advice that such a move might stave off the invasion.

The Embassy also reports that contacts have advised them that offensive measures also are being contemplated.

  • According to the Dutch Ambassador, the Topberaad may extend the state of emergency presently in effect in the east to Paramaribo and the rest of the country.
  • Rumors are circulating that preparations are underway for large-scale arrests of business and political leaders, including some cabinet members.
  • The Embassy comments that although these rumors may merely reflect the tense atmosphere of the moment, Bouterse could still “lash out” at his enemies as

Source:

CIA-RDP91B00874R000200200009-0

Link:

Internal Link:

https://surinamepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bouterses-Reaction-to-Invasion-Rumors-1986-CIA-RDP91B00874R000200200009-0.pdf

Date:
December 19, 1986
Categories:
Desi Bouterse, Planned Suriname Invasion
Tags:
CIA, Invasion
Boxes:
CIA-RDP88B00443R
Years:
1986
Persons:
Desi Bouterse
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