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Suriname Mennonite land and agricultural dispute

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-23 21:47 UTC → 2026-09-02 15:58 UTC · added removed

A legal and economic dispute has emerged in Suriname between the government and Mennonite-led agricultural projects. The Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management ordered Mennonites to vacate locations including Bantipasi, Albergapasi, and Masoniakreek, alleging they are operating without permits and have caused approximately 15 hectares of deforestation. Braganza Marketing Group NV, representing the interests of the Mennonites from Belize and Mexico, disputes these claims. The company asserts that the projects operate under formal agreements made with the previous administration and are intended to support Caricom food security. In response to the government’s orders, Braganza is preparing an $86 million USD damage claim against the state. The situation has escalated as former evolved with Braganza Marketing Group announcing plans for large-scale soy and maize cultivation in Tibiti and Kabalebo, involving 34,185 hectares of land. Braganza director Ruud Souverein stated that all administrative procedures for foreign workers are being followed, noting that Belizean participants do not require visas due to Caricom membership. Minister Regillio Dodson defended the group, claiming of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Mike Noersalim clarified that while the state previously designated ministry has agreements with Braganza to make land in available, there is no direct agreement between the Boven-Coppename area for their use following a compensation arrangement involving ministry and the Mennonite groups. He emphasized that formal land in Nickerie. While issuance remains the group seeks responsibility of the Ministry of Land Policy and Forest Management and that large-scale projects must adhere to enforce these previous agreements, strict environmental activists and critics have raised concerns regarding unauthorized deforestation studies and the rights of local indigenous communities. legal residency requirements.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-02 15:58 UTC Suriname Mennonite land and agricultural dispute
  2. 2026-08-23 21:47 UTC Suriname Mennonite land and agricultural dispute

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