OWOS union building targeted in shooting amid election tensions

A shooting incident occurred at the Ogem Werknemersorganisatie Suriname (OWOS) union building in Paramaribo on the eve of its board elections. Three masked individuals in a gray Toyota Ractis opened fire on the premises, resulting in at least one person being wounded. The victim was transported to the emergency department of the Academic Hospital Paramaribo for treatment.

Police have launched an investigation into the shooting, collecting witness statements and surveillance footage. It remains unclear if the attack is directly linked to the upcoming elections or if the building was the intended target. The identity of the shooters has not yet been released.

Parallel to the violence, the union is facing internal turmoil. OWOS chairman Marciano Hellings has accused Leo Brunswijk, the general director of Energiebedrijven Suriname (EBS), of interfering in the union's election process. Hellings alleges that the employer is creating unequal playing fields by restricting his access to EBS sites while allowing opposing candidates access, and by providing inadequate campaign resources compared to his rivals.