“Deadly firefight between civilians and police in Surinamese village”

Video footage and photos circulated on social media show shots fired from shotguns and automatic firearms. Two police officers were injured and were taken to Paramaribo for medical treatment. At least ten trucks loaded with logs have been set on fire, the newspaper reports True Time. The local police station burned down completely.

It was also restless in nearby Maripaston. Employees of state mining company Grassalco were held hostage by insurgents, but have since been released, according to Waterkant.

It has been unsettled for a long time in the area, which is rich in natural resources, such as wood, gold and other minerals. For example, more than two weeks ago, residents of the area invaded a Grassalco gold concession, according to the True Time because they disagree with the treatment of the indigenous inhabitants of the area. They have been complaining for years that third parties, mainly from Paramaribo, receive land and concessions from the government for the exploitation of natural resources – without consulting the local residents. The indigenous people are demanding an end to this practice, the newspaper said.

Surinamese President Chan Santokhi has called an emergency meeting of the country’s security summit in response to the unrest. “These actions have no place in our society. All dissatisfaction is worked out in consultation and with conversations. In this case, too, the grievances of the local residents will be dealt with in a correct manner,” said Santokhi.