Tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina have reached alarming levels, with a senior official telling the Security Council today that the country faces its gravest crisis since the Dayton Agreement brought an end to the war nearly three decades ago.
Christian Schmidt, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressed the 15-member Council, stating that the current turmoil stems from aggressive actions by the ruling coalition in Republika Srpska, which undermine the Dayton peace accord. These moves, he said, strike at the heart of the country’s constitutional and legal framework, jeopardizing stability both domestically and regionally.
The crisis escalated following a recent court verdict convicting Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska. In response, Dodik intensified his assault on the constitutional order, pushing through laws that block state-level judiciary and law enforcement within the entity. He also introduced a draft constitution for Republika Srpska—widely seen as a step toward secession.
The rapid appearance of this draft constitution and accompanying legislation suggests they were prepared long in advance. Schmidt emphasized that these measures blatantly violate the Dayton Agreement and its annexes.
By pursuing secessionist policies, Republika Srpska’s leadership endangers the country’s unity and creates legal chaos, as entity-level laws clash with state authority. The fallout has weakened the state-level coalition, stalled progress toward European Union membership, and sidelined crucial reforms. “The situation is dire, but not yet irreversible,” Schmidt warned.
Daily life in Bosnia and Herzegovina grows increasingly difficult, he noted, with most communities rejecting extremism and division. Yet ethnocentric politics continues to fuel discrimination and deepen societal rifts. Protecting all citizens’ rights and eliminating discrimination from the constitutional framework remain urgent priorities.
Schmidt stressed that the Dayton Agreement, backed by the Security Council 30 years ago, remains essential to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Any attempt to reinterpret or dismantle it risks destabilizing the country. With general elections approaching in 2026, efforts must focus on strengthening institutions, ensuring state functionality, and safeguarding electoral integrity.
Before Schmidt’s address, Russia’s delegate challenged his legitimacy, arguing that the Security Council had not formally endorsed his role. The Russian representative accused Schmidt of exacerbating tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the debate, many Council members voiced strong support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, condemning secessionist rhetoric and warning against Republika Srpska’s destabilizing actions.
France’s representative warned that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s unity is under threat, with its constitutional order facing unprecedented challenges. He urged Republika Srpska’s leaders to abandon separatist ambitions, emphasizing that EU integration requires respect for the rule of law and civil liberties.
Slovenia’s delegate condemned all efforts to undermine the country’s political system, calling for zero tolerance toward actions that endanger territorial integrity.
The U.S. representative expressed deep concern over recent developments, urging political leaders to avoid escalation. Washington firmly opposes secessionist rhetoric and reaffirmed support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s multiethnic democracy, as well as the High Representative’s role in upholding the Dayton Agreement.
Denmark’s delegate noted that 2025 marks three decades since Dayton ended the war, urging reflection on progress and future steps. Others, including Sierra Leone and Guyana, echoed support for the agreement, warning that weakening its implementation risks renewed instability.
The UK’s Special Envoy called Dayton one of the Council’s successes, having halted Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II. She defended the High Representative’s mandate under Dayton, stressing that his authority has Council backing.
China’s delegate, however, criticized Schmidt’s use of the so-called “Bonn Powers,” arguing that such measures worsen tensions. He insisted that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future must be determined by its people, free from external interference.
Russia’s representative accused Schmidt and Western backers of meddling in internal affairs, alleging a campaign to marginalize Republika Srpska’s leadership.
Algeria’s delegate lamented rising political tensions instead of celebrating 30 years of peace, while Pakistan warned against ethnic and religious divisions, urging restraint from all sides.
Other speakers, including Panama and the Republic of Korea, cautioned against divisive rhetoric, emphasizing the need for unity and continued EU integration.
The EU representative expressed concern over Republika Srpska’s legislation, which contradicts Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU path, and called for renewed focus on reforms.
Croatia’s delegate, while supporting the High Representative, criticized his report for lacking balance, particularly regarding the political marginalization of Croats. Electoral reform, he stressed, is vital for stability.
Serbia’s representative argued that neither ethnic outvoting nor imposed decisions offer sustainable solutions. He denied Republika Srpska seeks secession, instead framing its actions as a defense of Dayton against overreach by the High Representative.
Željka Cvijanović, the Serb member of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tripartite presidency, asserted that Schmidt lacks Security Council approval and has exceeded his mandate. She accused him of unlawfully interfering in governance, including manipulating electoral laws and suppressing political opposition in Republika Srpska.
Demanding a return to Dayton’s legal foundations, she called for a Council vote on Schmidt’s legitimacy and a review of the Bonn Powers. “If he cannot secure approval, find someone who can,” she said.
