U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed concern over the actions of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik, describing them as a threat to the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In a post on X, Rubio called on regional partners to join the United States in opposing destabilizing behavior.
“The actions of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik are undermining Bosnia and Herzegovina’s institutions and threatening its security and stability. Our nation encourages political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to engage in constructive and responsible dialogue. We call on our regional partners to join us in opposing this dangerous and destabilizing behavior,” Rubio wrote.
His statement comes after Dodik was sentenced by a Bosnian court to one year in prison and barred from holding public office for six years on February 26 for failing to comply with decisions made by the international High Representative, Christian Schmidt.
In response, Dodik signed laws banning the activities of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Court, Prosecutor’s Office, State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA), and High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council within Republika Srpska.
These laws were passed by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska in a special session on February 27 and were later published in the entity’s Official Gazette.
On March 7, Republika Srpska police expelled state police officers from a government building in Banja Luka, enforcing the separatist legislation signed by Dodik. The move has been seen as an escalation of the crisis and a direct challenge to the central authorities. (Reuters)
Meanwhile, Bosnia’s top court has temporarily suspended these separatist laws. (AP News)
Bosnian prosecutors have also launched an investigation into Dodik for attacking the country’s constitutional order after he signed the laws restricting the judiciary and state police operations within Republika Srpska. (Reuters)
These developments have drawn international concern, with the European Union and the United States condemning Dodik’s actions, while Russia has voiced support for him. The situation has heightened fears of potential clashes between Serbian police forces and Bosnian state authorities. (AP News)
