Suriname’s new president ailing at home from undisclosed illness; transfers power to VP

Suriname president falls ill, cedes power to No. 2

PARAMARIBO, Suriname — Suriname’s newly elected president — former dictator Desi Bouterse — is ailing from an undisclosed illness and has temporarily ceded power to his vice president in the South American country.

Vice President Robert Ameerali announced Thursday in Parliament that he will be in charge until Sept. 2 while Bouterse rests at home.

The vice president is refusing to disclose more specifics about Bouterse’s illness, telling Parliament members only that the 64-year-old leader “is doing well and no one needs to worry.”

Bouterse is a former coup leader, convicted drug trafficker and accused murderer in Suriname. The two-time dictator was elected president last month by Parliament.