Suriname: Challenge by Radical Party

National Intelligence Daily

Prime Minister Alibux told the US Embassy on Friday that he and Army Commander Bouterse had turned aside an effort last week by the radical, pro-Cuban party to gain power. The radicals had argued that Alibux’s moderate socialist party has failed to solve Suriname’s economic problems. According to Alibux, Bouterse insisted that good relations with Brazil and the US are the cornerstone of Suriname’s foreign policy. Alibux claims, however, that his government will fall if he cannot find external financing soon.

Comment: Alibux apparently hopes to persuade the US to help him acquire a loan from a US bank. The two leftist parties have been contending for power for some time, and, unless the economic decline is reversed soon, Bouterse may turn from Alibux’s party and install a new cabinet. The traditional Surinamese parties might be unwilling to work with Bouterse, allowing the radicals to attain power by default. Although Bouterse is encouraging the moderates to develop relations with Brazil, he could be influenced by the radicals to turn again to Cuba as his best source of aid and security support.

Date:
September 20, 1983
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