Suriname – Chronology of Events 1983

CIA-RDP85M00363R001403210032-0

DateEvent
25 November 1975Suriname granted independence from the Netherlands.
May 1979Diplomatic relations established with Cuba.
25 February 1980Sergeant Bouterse and “The Group of 16” seize power.
August 1980Bouterse accuses Cubans of encouraging a leftist coup. Parliament dissolved. Seven leftists including Sgts Sital, Mijnals and Joeman arrested for planning a coup.
March 1981Pro-Cuban sergeants are released after coup attempt.
May 1981Government issues manifesto putting Suriname on socialist footings; six-member Policy Center created.
June 1981Havana established an official mission in Paramaribo.
March 1982Coup attempt foiled; Sgt Hawker executed.
May 1982Increased contacts with Cubans.
October 1982Cuban Ambassador Cardenas presents his credentials in Paramaribo. Grenadan Prime Minister Bishop visits Suriname.
8 December 1982Fifteen opponents of the Bouterse regime executed, including Cyrill Daal (head of the largest trade union federation—Moederbond); the editor of the local news agency and three other leading journalists; the chairman of the lawyers association and three other attorneys; the university’s dean of economics; and two former cabinet ministers—one a local sports hero.
30 January 1983Deputy Army Commander Horb and 14 others arrested. Horb is alleged to have “committed suicide.”
2 February 1983New cabinet is named with PALU leader Alibux as Prime Minister.
4 March 1983Bouterse flies with Castro and Bishop to NAM summit in New Delhi.
CategoryDetails
Military1,500
Police1,000
Key Political Allies“Group of 16”; Three leftists: Sital, Mijnals, Joeman; Dick DeBie, National Info Service
Pro-Bouterse InstitutionsPeople’s Committees (created after the revolution); “People’s Militia” (60–100)
Foreign SupportCubans: Mission in June 1981, upgraded to Embassy in November 1981; Embassy opened in Spring 1982
Soviets: No Embassy, but some advisors
Grenada: No Embassy, but some advisors
Other Communist/Radical Arab: Non-resident diplomatic relations with North Korea & Libya
CategoryDetails
LaborAbout 33,000 members in 5 federations plus independents
Political PartiesAll were outlawed soon after February 1980 coup, but two pro-regime parties have since become prominent: Progressive Farmers and Workers Org (PALU), Revolutionary People’s Party (RVP)
Potential Opposition LeadersFormer President Chian Sen, Dutch exile community
MilitaryA substantial portion of armed forces are apolitical or would prefer a democratic alternative to Bouterse. Minority Hindustani in lower ranks could pose a special threat.
Other GroupsVarious business organizations, lawyers’ organizations, private print media, Council of Christian Churches, Hindustani organizations, Students (especially medical)

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CIA-RDP85M00363R001403210032-0

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Date:
March 11, 1983
Categories:
Desi Bouterse, Foiled Coups & Plots
Tags:
Boxes:
CIA-RDP85M00363R
Years:
1983
Persons:
Desi Bouterse, Roy Horb
META DATA
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