Amid rising political tensions in BiH, Republika Srpska maintains its position as a steadfast guardian of peace and the Dayton Peace Agreement, while accusing Bosniak leaders and foreign actors of fueling instability.
President Milorad Dodik has rejected claims that Srpska poses a security threat, pointing instead to a series of provocations and threats from Sarajevo as the true triggers of the latest crisis, foreign media report.
The Dayton Peace Agreement, signed in 1995 to end the Bosnian War, remains the foundation of BiH’s fragile political structure, dividing the country into two entities—Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH—under a single state. For years, Republika Srpska has argued that its constitutional rights under this agreement have been systematically eroded by centralization efforts from Sarajevo and foreign interference.
Today’s statement reaffirmed Srpska’s unwavering commitment to resolving BiH’s numerous challenges through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Dodik: “The security threat does not come from Republika Srpska”
- The security threat does not come from Republika Srpska, Dodik categorically stated, rejecting any suggestion of violent intent.
- We are fully committed to peaceful means and ready to engage in good-faith discussions with our partners in the Federation of BiH.
The leadership of Republika Srpska has also reiterated its full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH, as defined by the Dayton Agreement, directly addressing longstanding allegations of separatist ambitions.
- We have taken no action that contradicts the Dayton Agreement, nor do we intend to do so.
Disputed laws – a matter of autonomy, not separatism
A key point of contention is the recently adopted laws in Republika Srpska, which ban certain BiH institutions deemed unconstitutional from operating within its territory.
Critics in Sarajevo and abroad have described this as a step toward secession, but Srpska’s leadership argues that it is a legitimate defense of the entity’s autonomy.
- This law serves to faithfully implement the division of powers agreed upon in the Dayton Agreement. Republika Srpska does not seek anything beyond what it is constitutionally entitled to—nothing more, nothing less, Dodik stated.
The leadership of Srpska claims that the real source of instability in BiH lies not in Banja Luka, but in an ongoing campaign against Srpska’s constitutional rights.
- Domestic and foreign elements have relentlessly attacked our constitutional framework, the statement declared, citing several incidents that have escalated tensions in recent weeks.
Anti-Serb attacks and extremist demonstrations in Sarajevo
Among these incidents was a disturbing attack on Serbs from Republika Srpska in Sarajevo, where commuters traveling to work were assaulted in what was described as an unprovoked act of aggression.
The situation took an even more alarming turn on March 1, on BiH’s so-called “Independence Day”—a holiday that Republika Srpska does not recognize.
In Sarajevo, Bosniak demonstrators took to the streets, chanting anti-Serb slogans while waving Hamas and Hezbollah flags—two organizations classified as terrorist groups by many Western countries.
According to President Dodik, the event was organized by the Anti-Dayton Group, a Sarajevo-based NGO that openly opposes the Dayton Agreement and has been accused of undermining post-war peace in BiH.
- These actions are a direct insult to the stability that Dayton has brought, Dodik warned.
Threats of military force against Srpska
What is even more concerning, according to Srpska’s leadership, are recent threats from two members of the three-member BiH Presidency—representing the Bosniak and Croat communities—who suggested that the BiH Armed Forces could be used against Republika Srpska.
Such a move would require unanimous approval from all three Presidency members, including the Serb representative, who, as stated, “would never support such a dangerous and reckless measure.”
Nonetheless, Bosniak politicians and war veterans’ groups have embraced the idea, with some even publicly calling for the deployment of military units across entity borders to confront Srpska’s leadership, including President Milorad Dodik.
- This rhetoric is not only provocative but also illegal, Dodik argued, accusing Bosniak leaders of escalating tensions and spreading fear among BiH’s diverse population.
Republika Srpska urges restraint and dialogue
In contrast to Sarajevo’s aggressive rhetoric, Srpska has exercised restraint.
- Our leaders have remained calm in both words and actions, consistently advocating for peaceful solutions in accordance with the BiH Constitution, the statement noted.
Srpska has called on Bosniak officials to de-escalate their threats and engage in dialogue, warning that continued escalation could undo decades of hard-earned stability.
Far from being a destabilizing force, Srpska presents itself as a proactive partner in maintaining peace.
Srpska’s cooperation with Western intelligence on counterterrorism
Republika Srpska also highlighted its ongoing cooperation with Western Europe and the U.S. in critical areas, including cybersecurity and counterterrorism.
- Republika Srpska has worked closely with Western intelligence agencies to counter threats posed by pro-Hamas and other jihadist groups operating within BiH, Dodik stated, positioning Srpska as a bulwark against extremism in the region.
Conclusion: Srpska stands firm, extending a hand for dialogue
As BiH teeters on the edge of another political crisis, Republika Srpska remains committed to its objectives—primarily the preservation of the autonomy guaranteed by Dayton—through legal and peaceful means.
- We extend an open hand to our partners in the Federation, the statement concluded, expressing hope that cooler heads will prevail in Sarajevo.
Whether this call for dialogue will be met with goodwill or further confrontation remains to be seen. However, for now, Republika Srpska remains resolute, determined to defend its rights and its vision for BiH’s future.
This report from Neue Berliner Zeitung has been republished by New York Mirror (US) and Frankfurter Handelsblatt (DE).
Source: RTRS
