Surinamese law enforcement authorities have declared that the territory spanning from New Koffiekamp’s border to the Royal Hill mine, including the Redi Bergi sector, must be completely evacuated by 08:00 hours on Friday, February 13th. This zone falls within the legally sanctioned concessions of ZiJin Rosebel Gold Mines.
Assembly representative Edgar Sampie (ABOP) has raised serious concerns regarding the potential societal repercussions of forced evacuations. According to Sampie, numerous artisanal miners have operated in this region for years, making substantial financial investments in their operations.
The official police notification mandates immediate departure of all individuals from the designated area, requiring dismantlement of encampments and removal of personal possessions. Failure to comply will trigger joint enforcement operations between police and national military forces without additional warning, executed under prevailing legal statutes. This directive carries formal legal validity.
“Many miners have constructed permanent dwellings, acquired heavy machinery, and depend on this work as their primary livelihood,” Sampie explained to Starnieuws. Their mining earnings support family sustenance, educational expenses, debt settlements, and future planning, with some having committed to vehicle installment plans and housing construction projects.
While acknowledging Zijin’s legal concession rights, the affected miners seek governmental clarity regarding post-eviction scenarios. The central question remains: what becomes of these individuals after displacement? How will they be supported during transition?
The parliamentarian emphatically advocates for diplomatic engagement and compromise solutions. He proposes tripartite negotiations between government authorities, mining corporation representatives, and artisan miner delegates to establish sustainable resolutions. “Removing this workforce without alternative provisions risks escalating criminal activities not merely in Paramaribo but throughout Suriname’s interior regions,” Sampie cautioned.
Highlighting the historical context, Sampie noted New Koffiekamp’s existence predating Rosebel and Zijin’s operational presence, urging consideration of this temporal precedence despite current legal concessions.
Although lacking direct authority to halt evictions, the ABOP legislator intends to lobby Justice & Police and Natural Resources ministers to convene consultations with miner representatives. “Government must demonstrate willingness to hear these citizens’ concerns and collaboratively develop mutually acceptable solutions,” Sampie concluded, emphasizing dialogue-based conflict prevention over coercive measures.