In a move that has escalated tensions in Bosnia-Herzegovina’s politically divided landscape, officials on Thursday contested newly enacted laws that restrict the operations of state judiciary and police within the Serb-controlled region. These laws, which have been a source of controversy, challenge the integrity of Bosnia’s constitutional framework.
A legal motion was presented at Bosnia’s Constitutional Court by Denis Becirovic, a member of Bosnia’s presidency, along with two others. They argue that these laws, which were introduced by the legislative assembly representing Bosnian Serbs a week prior, breach the constitution of Bosnia as well as the peace agreement that put an end to the 1992-95 war in the country.
The European Union expressed concerns about these laws, highlighting that they “undermine the constitutional and legal order” of Bosnia and threaten the core functions of its institutions and the fundamental freedoms of its citizenry. The EU emphasized the necessity for Republika Srpska, Bosnia’s Serb-majority area, to act in accordance with national laws and the constitution.
In a statement, the EU urged Republika Srpska’s political leaders to avoid provocative actions or rhetoric that challenge Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
Echoing these concerns, the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia expressed deep apprehension regarding the decree passed by Bosnian Serbs, reaffirming America’s commitment to the Dayton Peace Agreement and the stability of Bosnia over the past three decades. The embassy asserted that the U.S. remains steadfast in its efforts to promote peace and security in the region.
Bosnian Serb lawmakers advanced these contentious laws as a reactionary measure after the judicial system found Milorad Dodik, the pro-Moscow president of Republika Srpska, guilty of promoting separatist activities. Dodik received a one-year prison sentence in absentia and a six-year bar from public office. Despite the ruling, he plans to disregard the verdict until the appeal process concludes.
Government officials in Bosnia interpret these legislative actions as a coup, marking a decisive advance in the fragmentation of the nation as envisioned by Dodik, a leader of the Bosnian Serb separatist agenda.
Bosnia, structured under the Dayton agreement into two entities—the Serb-majority Republika Srpska and the Bosniak-Croat Federation—relies on shared national institutions, such as judiciary, military, and tax administration. The country’s governance features a rotating presidency composed of Serb, Bosniak, and Croat representatives, with an international envoy who maintains the authority to amend laws and decisions.
Dodik’s conviction stemmed from disregarding directives from High Representative Christian Schmidt, aimed at tamping down on separatist initiatives. He has consistently advocated for Republika Srpska’s secession to merge with Serbia. In response, the former U.S. administration imposed sanctions against Dodik and his supporters, a move he defied with backing from Russia.
In Belgrade, following his talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Dodik accused officials in Sarajevo of seeking conflict and attempting to dismantle Republika Srpska. He maintained that his faction is not interested in aggravating tensions or inciting war.
The introduction of these new laws has heightened fears of possible clashes between the opposing police forces from the Serb region and the central Bosnian forces. Historically, Bosnia’s brutal conflict emerged when Bosnian Serbs opposed independence from Yugoslavia, aiming to establish their own state aligned with Serbia.