A political leader in Suriname has formally called on the national government to share full details with parliament about a planned large-scale eviction operation in a high-risk gold mining region that has already seen deadly accidents in recent years. Ronny Asabina, who leads the BEP political faction, made the demand during ongoing parliamentary budget deliberations on June 18, according to local parliamentary sources. For several days, widespread rumors have circulated that the 21 Bergi mining zone in Suriname’s Matawai region will be completely cleared in a so-called “clean sweep” operation scheduled for Friday. Asabina drew lawmakers’ attention to the grim history of this same site: two years ago, a major gold mining disaster claimed the lives of 15 young Surinamese workers here. Just recently, two more miners were trapped in a landslide at the site, and Asabina confirmed the pair are still alive and currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. The BEP leader emphasized that any large, impactful operation of this nature requires public accountability, and the public has a right to know full details through their elected parliamentary representatives. Through the speaker of the National Assembly of Suriname, Asabina formally requested the administration clarify whether the planned eviction is officially approved by the government, and confirm whether the government fully backs the operation. Asabina told lawmakers he has received information that traditional local authorities in the Matawai region support the planned police-led clearing operation. After formal consultations with the Matawai community, the concession area was officially zoned for permitted gold extraction activities. Even so, Asabina stressed the current, unregulated operating conditions at the site pose an immediate life-threatening risk to anyone working there. He also issued a stark warning that rushing a large-scale eviction without proper preparation and public consultation could escalate into violent confrontations between authorities and miners. Repeating his core demand, Asabina called on the government to provide timely, comprehensive updates to parliament before the operation moves forward. Parliamentary budget discussions, during which the request was raised, are scheduled to continue the same day. No immediate response to the demand was reported from government representatives as of the early morning of June 18.
Asabina vraagt regering om opheldering over aangekondigde ontruimingsactie in 21 Bergi
