PARAMARIBO — Chandrikapersad Santokhi, who served as president of Suriname from 2020 to 2025, died at age 67. The cause of his death was not immediately known.

President of Suriname Jennifer Geerlings-Simons confirmed Santokhi's death in a statement on social media. "His years of service in various public functions will be remembered," Geerlings-Simons said.

Santokhi, known as "Chan," was a police commissioner before entering politics. He served as minister of justice and police from 2005 to 2010, during which time he cracked down on drug trafficking and other crimes, earning the nickname "The Sheriff."

As police commissioner, Santokhi led the investigation into the December 1982 killings in which 15 political opponents of the military regime led by Desi Bouterse were shot and killed. Santokhi and Bouterse were fierce political opponents throughout their careers.

In 2020, Santokhi took over a bankrupt Suriname from his predecessor Desi Bouterse. He led Suriname to economic stability partly supported by an International Monetary Fund program. His government implemented measures that phased out fuel, water, and electricity subsidies.

The economic reforms led to public unrest. Hundreds of demonstrators stormed Suriname's Parliament in February 2023 to protest high fuel and electricity prices and demanded Santokhi's resignation. Voters denied Santokhi a second term following the May 2025 general election.

Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten said, "As president, and in his other roles, he meant a great deal to Suriname. He also tirelessly worked to strengthen the ties between the Netherlands and Suriname." Suriname is a former Dutch colony.

From July to December 2022, Santokhi served as chairman of Caricom. President of Guyana Irfaan Ali described Santokhi as a man of quiet strength who served his people and country with dedication and conviction. "The region has lost a fine statesman, one who carried the mantle of leadership with grace and humility," Ali said.

Santokhi became chairman of the Progressive Reform Party in 2011 following the resignation of Ramdien Sardjoe. He investigated the 1982 killings of more than a dozen political opponents in Suriname during his career as a police official.