Suriname Govt holds emergency talks with indigenous leaders after riot

Representatives from the Suriname government held emergency talks with Amerindian leaders last night following the riots in the Pikin Saron area over dissatisfaction with the treatment of indigenous people.

Two people were killed, and a police station along with eleven lumber trucks were set ablaze.

Justice and Police Minister Kenneth Amoksi said the Pikin Saron area remains inaccessible to civilians as the police and army continue their operations to detain persons associated with the attacks.

Chairman of the Association of Indigenous Village Chiefs in Suriname, Muriel Fernandes, said while her organisation was taken by surprise, the situation among the indigenous population had been brewing for some time.

She said the protest has created space for dialogue with the government.

The parties have agreed to meet within the next two weeks after an inventory has been made of the living areas of the indigenous people.