Suriname – Chronology of Events 1983

CIA-RDP85M00363R001403210032-0

Date Event
25 November 1975 Suriname granted independence from the Netherlands.
May 1979 Diplomatic relations established with Cuba.
25 February 1980 Sergeant Bouterse and “The Group of 16” seize power.
August 1980 Bouterse accuses Cubans of encouraging a leftist coup. Parliament dissolved. Seven leftists including Sgts Sital, Mijnals and Joeman arrested for planning a coup.
March 1981 Pro-Cuban sergeants are released after coup attempt.
May 1981 Government issues manifesto putting Suriname on socialist footings; six-member Policy Center created.
June 1981 Havana established an official mission in Paramaribo.
March 1982 Coup attempt foiled; Sgt Hawker executed.
May 1982 Increased contacts with Cubans.
October 1982 Cuban Ambassador Cardenas presents his credentials in Paramaribo. Grenadan Prime Minister Bishop visits Suriname.
8 December 1982 Fifteen 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 1983 Deputy Army Commander Horb and 14 others arrested. Horb is alleged to have “committed suicide.”
2 February 1983 New cabinet is named with PALU leader Alibux as Prime Minister.
4 March 1983 Bouterse flies with Castro and Bishop to NAM summit in New Delhi.
Category Details
Military 1,500
Police 1,000
Key Political Allies “Group of 16”; Three leftists: Sital, Mijnals, Joeman; Dick DeBie, National Info Service
Pro-Bouterse Institutions People’s Committees (created after the revolution); “People’s Militia” (60–100)
Foreign Support Cubans: 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
Category Details
Labor About 33,000 members in 5 federations plus independents
Political Parties All 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 Leaders Former President Chian Sen, Dutch exile community
Military A 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 Groups Various business organizations, lawyers’ organizations, private print media, Council of Christian Churches, Hindustani organizations, Students (especially medical)

Source:

CIA-RDP85M00363R001403210032-0

Link:

Internal Link:

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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