Former Suriname rebel leader warns against new insurgency

by Ivan Cairo
Caribbean Net News Suriname Correspondent

Wednesday, March  30, 2005

PARAMARIBO, Suriname: If the 1992 Kourou peace agreement isn’t implemented in a satisfactory manner. disgruntled former rebels in Suriname could resume fighting against the government again, former rebel leader Ronny Brunswijk warned in an interview with the newspaper ‘de Ware Tijd’.

Talks with president Ronald Venetiaan last Wednesday were unsatisfactory to members of the former insurgent group Jungle Commando. Brunswijk was not present at that meeting.

The former rebels who in the late 80’s fought a fierce battle against former military ruler Desi Bouterse insist on the full implementation of the Kourou peace agreement signed in 1992. The president had invited a small delegate of the former Jungle Commando members to clear what he believes are some misinterpretations and misunderstanding of the peace settlement.

According to the former rebels it was agreed upon that fighters who met certain standards and qualifications would be incorporated in one of the legal armed forces in Suriname. Furthermore the government had agreed to provide free medical care, employment, housing and a monthly payment.

Few of these commitments have materialized, the former jungle fighters argue. In the meeting with president Venetiaan, the former insurgents were told that there was a lot of misunderstanding surrounding the implementation of the peace agreement. Therefore the president advised that at the next meeting former rebel leader Ronny Brunswijk should be present. The meeting was scheduled for yesterday (Tuesday).

Meanwhile Brunswijk in an interview warned against the danger of breakaway rebels who can take up arms again. At least the group which engaged in talks with the president without first seeking his advice is keeping level heads, said the former rebel leader.

According to Brunswijk implementation of the peace agreement is long overdue. Only sixty former rebels were incorporated in the Central Intelligence and Security Service (CIVD) while the other measures were not taken.

Officials of coalition party NPS believes that the fresh move of the former rebels to insist on implementation of the peace agreement is fueled by opposition parties. According to these officials the move is to create unrest which could disrupt the general elections due on May 25.

Brunswijk who is now chairman of a political party (ABOP), in an earlier stage calmed down fears of a new armed conflict. According to Brunswijk his party will seek to achieve certain goals through political and democratic means since other parties are unwilling to do that. 

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