🇸🇷 Looters and plunderers ravage Suriname

It is with dismay that we bring this week's newsletter to you. This weekend Suriname saw the democratic right to protest be abused by looting in the city. Many businesses were affected by the looting and were turned upside down which turned attention away from the protests' complaints to the government.

Anti-Government Protest turns to Chaos

• On the 17th of February, a large protest occurred in the city center where large swaths of people demanded the resignation of both the President and the Vice President due to the government’s policies and subsequent increases in the cost of living.

• The protestors felt that the government did not deliver on its promises and demanded a change while also stating that protests would continue until demands were met.

• However, later in the day, the protests got out of hand with protestors storming the National Assembly building, damaging the lobby, and breaking windows. A fire was also set in the building.

• The police began to fire tear gas and rubber bullets into the group causing chaos.

• However, while the group began to disperse, a small group stayed behind throwing objects at the police and also journalists.

• According to some in the group, they saw breaking the law as necessary to strengthen their demands.

Continuing Developments

• Protestors twisted their right to protest into destruction of properties and public objects in the city center.

• There has been looting and damage and a police guardhouse near the VCB Bank was overturned.

• The protestors were confronted by military personnel near the assembly. The fire department was also called to several locations to put out fires caused by the protests. What followed was nothing short of chaos, looting, and plundering.

• Large swaths of protesters swarmed towards the inner city to loot local business by breaking in and harming the business owners leaving the stores ravaged. While images and videos are circulating, we advise caution when watching them.

• Businesses that were targeted include mom and pop stores, a shoe store, a glasses/sunglasses store, a gas station, shopping malls, and various clothing stores.

• Looters were later filmed showing off with their stolen goods while many victims were left with their lives turned upside down and reports of attempted suicide.

• However, the leaders of the protest, primarily Pakitow Biervliet, have not been found. He finally turned himself in to the police the following day.

Protest Response

• Due to the chaotic turn of the protest, all businesses were closed in the city center of Paramaribo due to safety concerns until Monday.

• The District Commissioner of Paramaribo Northeast, Ricardo Bhola also urged Surinamese citizens to maintain order and peace.

• The government has stated that it will take strong action against those responsible for the vandalism and looting after the chaos broke out.

• The government has stated that it will not tolerate threatening the rule of law and democratic institutions.

• The government has been criticized for their weak response to the criminality.

• Chief among the organizers is the union C-47. They have washed their hands clean of this atrocity by denying any responsibility for the plundering while pointing the finger at the government; claiming they had nothing to do with it, while they were the loudest ones.

Caricom Stands behind President Santokhi

• The Caricom leaders have expressed support for the democratically elected government of President Chan Santokhi. Minister Albert Ramdin of Foreign Affairs, International Affairs, and International Cooperation informed Caricom about the ongoing disturbances in Paramaribo.

• The Caricom leaders condemned the violent attacks on people, private and public facilities, including the parliament. Caricom acknowledged the right to free expression and peaceful protest but condemned the use of violence.

• The leaders stated that violent actions undermine the rule of law and the stability of democracy. Furthermore, they add that violent demonstrations pose a threat to the livelihoods of citizens and are detrimental to the population’s interests.

• They reaffirm the need for calm in the country.

Safety Services conclude that actions were coordinated

• Safety Services including military and security advisors have argued that the demonstrations were coordinated. Minister of Justice and Police, Kenneth Amoksi stated that the action leaders are responsible for the rise in chaos.

• While the police and military units are working together to restore safety and calm in society, the security services state that those guilty of vandalism, looting, arson, and assault have all been identified and will soon be arrested.

• As of 18th February 2023, 19 people were injured from the protests and around 119 arrests were made and 37 suspects were detained.

• The city center remained closed over the weekend and shops outside of Paramaribo and Wanica were allowed to open. Critical infrastructure including utilities, government buildings, media, and banks will receive extra surveillance. Minister Amoksi stated that the situation is under control and the security measures should restore calm.