The Korps Politie Suriname (KPS, Suriname Police Force) is continuing the deportation procedure against 63 Mennonites, including three babies, who were recently removed from the Masonia area. Preparations for a charter flight are now in full swing. Police spokesperson Michel Elskamp announced this on Thursday, October 29, 2026, after the summary proceedings judge rejected the claims against the planned deportation.
According to Elskamp, the deportation will take place in accordance with the applicable immigration legislation. It has not yet been announced when the charter flight will be carried out or to which country the persons concerned will be transferred.
The 63 persons are currently staying in Kraka, in the Para district. Following their transfer, their residence status and any work permits, among other things, were checked.
Judge rejects claims
Cantonal Court Judge Deborah Haakmat-Sniphout on Thursday, October 29, rejected the claims of Suriname Green Energy Agriculture N.V. against the State of Suriname. Through lawyer Derrick Veira, the company had sought to stop the forced deportation of the Mennonites.
The claimant was also ordered to pay the legal costs. The judgment was declared provisionally enforceable. This means that the order to pay legal costs can in principle be enforced, even if an appeal is lodged.
With the ruling, the requested court prohibition on the deportation was not granted. The persons concerned nevertheless retain the legal remedies available to them under the law. Elskamp confirmed that the deportation procedure will continue after the judgment.
Eviction from state land
The police spokesperson stressed that a distinction must be made between the eviction of the area and the subsequent deportation from Suriname.
Prior to the police action, persons staying in the Masonia area, in the Sipaliwini district, without the required permission had been instructed to leave the site by no later than Friday, October 23, 2026, at 8 a.m.
According to the police, the matter concerns unissued state land belonging to the State of Suriname. According to Elskamp, the persons concerned had been given the opportunity to leave the area voluntarily within the stipulated period.
Because the order was not complied with, the authorities proceeded with an eviction operation, during which the police received support from the Nationaal Leger (National Army).
Places of residence traced with drones
During the operation, it emerged that the persons concerned were no longer at the original location. According to Elskamp, camps and other places of residence had been set up several kilometres further away.
With support from the Drone-Unit of the KPS, the police were able to locate the places of residence. A total of 63 persons were found there, including three babies.
The persons concerned were subsequently transferred to Kraka in the Para district.
According to Elskamp, the eviction operation consists of three phases. According to him, it is being carried out in accordance with the applicable legal provisions and in consultation with the Openbaar Ministerie (Public Prosecution Service).
Checks also at other locations
The police have also announced checks at other locations where, according to available information, persons without valid residence permits are staying.
Elskamp stressed that the police action is not aimed at a specific population group.
“It is absolutely not a witch hunt against foreigners,” the police spokesperson stated.
According to him, the approach is part of general policy that applies to everyone. The police have a legal duty to maintain public order, peace and security.
Elskamp pointed out that the KPS has for some time been carrying out operations to improve security, particularly in the interior. Although the police face operational challenges in doing so, the force leadership is, according to him, making every effort to continue the work.
According to the police spokesperson, the announced checks at other locations fit within that broader enforcement policy.
