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Ex-leader of 'Jungle Commando' and convicted smuggler says he will run for Suriname presidency

Associated Press
Published | Updated

PARAMARIBO, Suriname – The man who led the "Jungle Commando" insurgency in Suriname says he wants to run for president in the South American nation.

Ronny Brunswijk is a member of parliament and part of the Mega Combination coalition that put current President Desi Bouterse in power. Brunswijk's support of Bouterse was a surprise since they were once bitter enemies. Brunswijk led the rebels in the 1986-1992 Bush War against Bouterse's then-dictatorship.

Brunswijk now says he wants to be a candidate for president in 2015. He made the announcement at a Saturday night concert by U.S. rapper Rick Ross he promoted.

The ruling party said Monday that Bouterse intends to run for re-election. Both men have been convicted in absentia in the Netherlands of drug trafficking.