Brunswijk: ABOP has not yet selected a candidate to succeed Monorath

According to him, the search for a suitable successor has now begun. The new office-holder must above all be able to cope with stress and be capable of addressing the challenges within the security sector.

In an interview with TBN Prime Alert, Brunswijk says that after his talks with President Jennifer Simons and Monorath, he reported back to the executive board of the ABOP. Representatives of the congress board were also present.

During the meeting, he informed the party leadership of the president’s position that Monorath’s position had become untenable and that the minister could no longer remain in office.

Although there are differing views within the party about the reason for Monorath’s departure, Brunswijk made it clear that the decision of the head of state must be respected.

ABOP begins search for new minister

Brunswijk stresses that no candidates have yet been designated. He rejects reports that he has already drawn up a shortlist of three people.

“I do not have a single candidate,” the ABOP chairman declares.

According to Brunswijk, the party leadership has now been tasked with seeking suitable candidates. Nominations may be made by the executive board and various party branches. The party will then assess who possesses the required expertise and administrative qualities.

This will include consideration of legal knowledge and administrative experience. The eventual candidate will be nominated to President Simons.

The ABOP chairman acknowledges that finding a suitable successor is not a simple task. Not everyone is willing to take on responsibility for the Ministry of Justice and Security, particularly given the current security situation.

According to Brunswijk, the new office-holder must be able to withstand the great pressure associated with the position.

Ministerial post remains with ABOP

Brunswijk says that during discussions with the president, the ABOP was not told that the party had to relinquish the Justice and Security portfolio.

According to him, the fact that the party may again nominate a candidate has brought clarity and reassurance within the ABOP.

Earlier, the party chairman had already made clear that the choice of a successor is made by the ABOP and not by social media.

He further stresses that ethnic origin will not play a decisive role in the selection. According to Brunswijk, the candidate’s suitability must come first, regardless of their population group.

Brunswijk wants Monorath to support new minister

Notably, Brunswijk still sees a role for Monorath within the security sector. He hopes that the outgoing office-holder will be willing to assist his successor with knowledge and experience.

According to the party chairman, Monorath gained valuable experience during his ministerial tenure that need not be lost.

Brunswijk also expresses his appreciation for Monorath’s work. He considers him one of the best ministers in the current government and says that the office-holder carried out his duties to the best of his knowledge and conscience.

However, the ABOP leader stresses that a minister cannot remain in office when the president indicates that she can no longer continue with him.

According to Brunswijk, any supporting role for Monorath will also have to be discussed with the president.

Cooperation with police leadership must improve

Brunswijk considers it important for the new minister to maintain a good working relationship with the leadership of the Korps Politie Suriname (Suriname Police Force).

According to him, the minister and the police chief must be aligned in order to effectively implement security policy.

He indicates that he himself wants to pay attention in future to cooperation between the political leadership of the ministry and the police leadership. According to him, internal tensions must not come at the expense of tackling crime.

Brunswijk concerned about increasing insecurity

During the interview, the ABOP chairman also expresses concern about the security situation in Suriname. According to him, fear among citizens is growing because of violent armed robberies and shooting incidents.

He refers to the recent fatal shooting in the vicinity of Geyersvlijt, which according to him shows how serious the brutalisation of crime has become.

Brunswijk believes that the government must give greater priority to security and clearly inform society about the measures being taken.

According to him, it is insufficient to look only at the Minister of Justice and Security. Responsibility for the safety of citizens lies with the government as a whole.

He therefore advocates a parliamentary debate on the security situation, in which the government explains its approach. According to him, the longer such a debate is delayed, the greater the uncertainty among the population becomes.

Monorath’s resignation officially ratified

Monorath’s departure has now been formally concluded. The office-holder submitted his resignation to President Jennifer Simons on Friday, 13 November 2026. The resignation has been administratively ratified and takes effect on Monday, 16 November.

The reason for the departure is the matter surrounding the Telecommunicatie Autoriteit Suriname (TAS, Telecommunications Authority Suriname), where Monorath was previously chairman of the supervisory board.

Brunswijk had previously spoken critically about the grounds for the departure, but ultimately respects President Simons’ decision. It is not yet known when the ABOP will nominate a new candidate.