Bosnia and Herzegovina has strongly criticized Serbia after senior officials took part in the Republika Srpska Day celebrations. The holiday, which was ruled unconstitutional by Bosnia’s highest court, has once again caused tensions between the two countries.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has lodged a formal protest with Serbia after Serbian officials attended the controversial Republika Srpska Day celebrations. The holiday, marking the founding of the Republika Srpska entity, was declared unconstitutional by Bosnia’s Constitutional Court.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sarajevo sent a diplomatic note to Serbia, expressing strong disapproval of Prime Minister Miloš Vu?evi? and Speaker of Parliament Ana Brnabi? attending the January 9th event in Banja Luka. Serbia’s involvement has heightened tensions between the two nations.
Republika Srpska leaders, defying the Constitutional Court’s rulings from 2019 and 2022, carried on with the annual celebrations. The event featured a festive ceremony and a parade through Banja Luka, emphasizing the entity’s autonomy.
Bosnia’s government sees Serbia’s participation as a direct challenge to its constitutional authority and territorial integrity. The protest note, delivered via Bosnia’s embassy in Belgrade and Serbia’s embassy in Sarajevo, underscores the ongoing political tensions.
Serbia’s continued support for Republika Srpska, which aligns with Serbian nationalist sentiments, exacerbates Bosnia’s internal divisions. The dispute over Republika Srpska Day only deepens these rifts, making the political landscape more volatile.
The Bosnia-Serbia relationship remains strained since the Bosnian War, and this diplomatic clash is unlikely to ease the growing tensions. Bosnia’s calls for greater recognition of its constitutional order will likely face further resistance.
