Revolution Day (Suriname)
Revolution Day, observed on February 25, marks a significant and controversial event in Suriname's history—the military coup that occurred in 1980. This day commemorates the takeover by military forces under Lieutenant Colonel Desi Bouterse, which resulted in the overthrow of the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Henck Arron. Following the coup, Suriname experienced military rule that implemented repressive measures against political dissent, leading to international sanctions and a severe economic downturn. The country, located on the northern coast of South America with a population of approximately 500,000, had gained independence from the Netherlands in 1975. The economy, heavily reliant on bauxite mining, faced significant challenges during this tumultuous period. After years of military governance, Suriname transitioned back to democratic rule with elections held in 1991, marking a pivotal shift in its political landscape. Revolution Day serves as a reminder of the complexities of Suriname's journey towards democracy and the lasting impacts of its military past.
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Revolution Day (Suriname)
Revolution Day (Suriname)
February 25 is Revolution Day in the South American nation of Suriname. It commemorates an important if somewhat controversial event in the history of this newly independent third-world nation, namely, the seizure of power by the military on February 25, 1980.
Suriname is a small nation located on the northern coast of South America along the Atlantic seaboard, just north of Brazil. It has a population of roughly 500,000 people and its capital city is Paramaribo. Beginning in 1498, it was settled by the Spanish and English, and it became a Dutch colony in 1667. Economically, the colony made little progress until after World War I, when the Aluminum Corporation of America (ALCOA) discovered commercially exploitable deposits of bauxite, the mineral used to produce aluminum. By World War II Suriname was a major exporter of bauxite to the United States, and to this day bauxite remains the mainstay of the nation's economy.
On December 15, 1954, Suriname was granted autonomous status by the Netherlands, and on November 25, 1975, it achieved full independence. The elected parliamentary government of Prime Minister Henck Arron which followed independence was overthrown in a leftist military-led coup in February 1980 on what is now known as Revolution Day. Military rule by decree followed, and Lieutenant Colonel Desi Bouterse became the country's de facto ruler. The regime's repressive measures against dissidents led to sanctions by the United States and the Netherlands which sent the economy of Suriname into a severe depression. After a series of promises and half-measures, the military government finally permitted free and meaningful elections on May 25, 1991. Ronald Venetiaan became president on September 6, 1991, and in 1993 Bouterse stepped down from his position as commander in chief of the army. Political and economic relations were normalized with the United States and the Netherlands, and the resumption of foreign financial assistance helped the country's economy recover throughout the 1990s.