National Day of Mourning Announced After Nine Killed in Meerzorg Attack
The Surinamese government has declared Friday, January 2, 2026, as a national day of mourning following a horrific mass stabbing that claimed nine lives, including four children, in the community of Meerzorg, east of Paramaribo. The announcement comes as the small South American nation grapples with one of the deadliest violent incidents in its recent history.
The Tragic Events Unfold
In the early hours of Sunday, December 28, 2025, 43-year-old Dennis Aroma allegedly went on a violent rampage along Hadji Iding Soemitaweg in Meerzorg. According to police reports and local media, the attack began after Aroma had a heated telephone argument with his estranged wife about picking up their children. 'He seemed to snap completely after that call,' a police source told local news outlet Waterkant.
The attacker first targeted his own five children at their home, killing four aged between 5 and 15 years old. His 16-year-old daughter managed to escape with serious stab wounds and alerted authorities. Aroma then turned on neighbors who came to help, killing five more people including elderly residents and a grandchild.
Government Response and National Mourning
Suriname's Minister of Home Affairs, Lee, announced that flags will fly at half-staff at all government buildings on Friday, and citizens and businesses are encouraged to follow suit. Radio and television stations have been asked to adjust their programming to reflect the solemn occasion. 'This day of national mourning is intended to express sympathy and solidarity with the families, the bereaved, and the entire Surinamese population,' Minister Lee stated in the official announcement.
President Jennifer Simons expressed profound shock at the violence occurring during what should be a festive holiday season. The government has pledged to cover all funeral expenses for the victims and provide psychosocial support to affected families. 'Our hearts are broken by this senseless tragedy that has struck our community,' President Simons said in a televised address.
International Condolences and Support
Dutch caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof and D66 leader Rob Jetten both offered condolences and support to Suriname, reflecting the close historical ties between the Netherlands and its former colony. 'We stand with the people of Suriname in this time of unimaginable grief,' Prime Minister Schoof stated, according to NL Times.
The attack has drawn attention to mental health issues and support systems in Suriname, a country of approximately 612,985 people known for its cultural diversity and generally low violent crime rates. Psychologists have raised concerns about the judicial system's ability to protect detainees, noting that Aroma's suicide in custody represents a systemic failure.
Aftermath and Investigation
When police arrived at the scene, Aroma reportedly attacked officers with a knife, prompting them to shoot him in both legs to immobilize him. He was taken into custody but was found dead in his cell at Paramaribo's Centrum police station the following morning, having apparently taken his own life by hanging.
Local news site Starnieuws reported that Aroma had shown increasingly aggressive behavior in recent times and had previous contact with mental health services. The community of Meerzorg, located just across the Suriname River from the capital, remains in shock as residents struggle to comprehend the scale of the tragedy.
As Suriname prepares for its national day of mourning, questions are being raised about mental health support, community safety, and how such tragedies can be prevented in the future. The incident has left an indelible mark on a nation that prides itself on its peaceful multicultural society.