Three months have passed since the disappearance of former military strongman and ex-President Desi Bouterse, along with his trusted bodyguard, Iwan Dijksteel. Suriname’s authorities have now escalated the search for them by enlisting the help of Interpol, urging the public to provide any information leading to their arrest.

Bouterse, aged 78, was due to commence a 20-year prison term in mid-January for his involvement in the December 1982 killings of 15 government opponents. These individuals were purportedly linked to attempts by Western nations to undermine the military coup of February 1980, which had ousted the elected government.

Despite exhausting all legal avenues, including an unsuccessful appeal last year, Bouterse and his cohorts were unable to evade justice. While the other three convicted individuals have surrendered and begun serving their sentences, Bouterse’s disappearance shocked his supporters and authorities alike. There have been suggestions from party insiders that he might be hiding in the interior or seeking refuge in Venezuela.

In a formal announcement made to Interpol, Suriname’s prosecutor’s office has requested a Red Notice, effectively marking Bouterse and Dijksteel as international fugitives, subject to arrest by law enforcement worldwide.

Bouterse, who had previously served as Suriname’s president, faces uncertain political prospects amid his legal troubles. The governing VHP coalition is expected to lose ground in the upcoming elections due to widespread allegations of corruption, nepotism, economic instability, and austerity measures imposed by the IMF.

The NDP, Bouterse’s party, has hinted at the possibility of forming a coalition after the 2025 elections, potentially leading to a pardon for Bouterse. However, local courts have nullified a previous parliamentary amnesty, clearing the path for his trial to proceed.