said Jonathan Wolf, chairman of the association that speaks on behalf of the nation’s soldiers. Amafo who is a former minister claimed that the rally was meant as support to the soldiers of Suriname. “I am a soldier of the people,” said  Amafo who wanted to show solidarity by dressing in camouflage.

 Amafo pointed out that soldiers are structurally underpaid and also pleaded for better benefits. She urged the government to invest more money in the army in order to attract more recruits.

Wolf laughed as he labeled the rally a fun initiative of Amafo. He also labeled it a political stunt aimed at reeling in voters. “I don't even know what to say in response to this,” said Wolf who added that politicians promise many things right before the elections but that they forget the army once they are elected. Wolf pointed out that the new government or the person who becomes the new minister of defense must talk to the union to be informed of all the things that the soldiers need so that an appropriate budget could be put on paper. The current budget for the Ministry of Defense is weak which is why there is very little room for investments.