Revolutionary Front

The Revolutionary Front was a political organization formed in Suriname in August 1981, led by Lieutenant Colonel Dési Bouterse. It was a coalition that included the Revolutionary People's Party, the PNR, and some trade and farm workers' unions. This formation occurred after a military coup in 1980, which led to a period of military control and economic deterioration in the country. The Front's existence reflected an uncertain relationship between the military and the nominal civilian government, with the military holding de facto power. By 1982, discontent grew among various groups, culminating in the execution of 15 civilians, which led to the suspension of foreign aid by the Netherlands and the United States.1