PRISTINA, Kosovo — Former Kosovo independence leader Bujar Bukoshi passed away early Tuesday morning following a prolonged illness, as confirmed by his family. He was 78 years old.
Bukoshi died in Germany, where he had been receiving cancer treatment with financial support from the Albanian government. Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani lamented the loss, hailing him as “a visionary physician and a statesman of unparalleled dedication.” In a letter to his family, she wrote, “Dr. Bukoshi, former Prime Minister in Exile, will forever be remembered for his contributions to strengthening the cause of a free and independent Kosovo in the most difficult times for our people.”
A renowned physician and surgeon, Bukoshi co-founded the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) in 1989 along with Ibrahim Rugova, who later ascended to the presidency of Kosovo. After completing his medical degree at Belgrade’s Medical School University, Bukoshi went into exile. During his time abroad, he raised funds to establish parallel governing structures in a peaceful protest against the harsh regime of the late Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic in Kosovo, then a province under Serbian control.
He served as the prime minister of Kosovo’s government in exile from 1991 to 1999, which was the conclusion of the 1998-1999 war claiming around 11,400 lives. NATO intervened with a 78-day air campaign, ending the Serb forces’ offensive on ethnic Albanians and ousting Serbian authorities from Kosovo.
Bukoshi was also at the helm of an ethnic Albanian militia that was perceived as a contender to the more aggressive Kosovo Liberation Army. His shadow government, unacknowledged by Belgrade, was officially disbanded in 2000.
Following the war, Bukoshi held roles as deputy prime minister, healthcare minister, and lawmaker. Lumir Abdixhiku, the current leader of LDK, remarked, “His life and activity are a record of patriotic commitment and unshakable political involvement for Kosovo’s freedom and independence. His contribution during the most challenging moments of our country will be forever valued.”
Kosovo, in 2008, declared independence from Serbia. The move is recognized by most Western countries; however, Serbia, along with allies Russia and China, does not acknowledge it.
Bukoshi was born in Suhareke, located 60 kilometers north of the capital, Pristina. He leaves behind his wife Zana, three daughters, and two nephews.