Suriname: Trying To Build Popular Support

National Intelligence Daily

Army Commander Bouterse is renewing his efforts to enlist public support for his regime by staging a rally today condemning foreign intervention.

Public gatherings have been scheduled in Paramaribo and some outlying districts. In keeping with the main theme of the rallv, anti-US and anti-CIA signs have proliferated in Paramaribo.

The US Embassy reports that demonstrations and effigy burnings will be staged near the US and Dutch Embassies and that a petition will be presented to US representatives. A similar protest at the Dutch Embassy in March was orderly, and available reporting indicates that US citizens are not in danger.

The regime has threatened to fire any government employees who fail to participate. According to the Embassy, Bouterse is expected to announce the end of the Friday night curfew, a limited amnesty for suspected dissidents, and possibly some manner of accommodation with Suriname’s traditional political parties.

Comment: Bouterse is trying to arouse nationalist sentiment favorable to his regime by scheduling the rally to coincide with an important national holiday and by raising the threat of foreign intervention. The expected announcement of some limited concessions also is an effort to gain support. Although past rallies have failed to inspire much enthusiasm, the holiday atmosphere and a promise of free food and drink probably will draw a sizable number of young people and unemployed.

The tenor of Bouterse’s remarks at the rally may indicate whether he is changing his views toward the US and the Netherlands. In recent speeches he has specifically attacked the CIA but generally has avoided criticizing the administration or the US Government as a whole. This suggests he may be adopting a more flexible attitude toward relations with Washington.

Date:
June 30, 1983
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