Political tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are escalating as the leader of the Serb-majority Republic of Srpska (RS), Milorad Dodik, defies federal authorities by pushing forward separatist measures. His latest move—creating a separate border police force—comes amid increasing legal pressure from Sarajevo.
Creation of a Separate Border Force
As reported by Digi24, Dodik announced on March 17, 2025, that RS would establish its own border police. He claims this decision aligns with the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the 1992-1995 Bosnian War and established Bosnia as a federation of two entities—RS and the Bosniak-Croat Federation—under a central government.
Dodik's move follows a ruling by Bosnia’s Constitutional Court, which declared his recent policies a threat to the country’s legal and constitutional order. On March 7, the court suspended legislation that sought to sever RS from the federal judicial system, a decision Dodik has openly defied.
Arrest Warrants and Legal Tensions
The announcement of a separate border force coincides with reports that federal prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for Dodik, RS Prime Minister Radovan Viskovic, and RS parliamentary speaker Nenad Stevandic. The warrants prevent them from leaving Bosnia, and any police force in the country is legally obligated to arrest them.
The controversy stems from legislative measures passed on February 27, which sought to strip Bosnia’s federal institutions—including courts, the prosecutor’s office, and the federal police—of their authority in RS. Bosniak Muslim leaders have condemned these moves as an attempted “coup.”
Rising Concerns Over Stability
The latest developments raise concerns about Bosnia’s stability, with fears that Dodik’s actions could escalate into a deeper political or security crisis. The situation is being closely watched by the international community, particularly by the Office of the High Representative, which oversees Bosnia’s post-war governance.
As tensions grow, the question remains whether federal authorities will take action to enforce the court’s ruling—or whether RS will continue its path toward greater autonomy, risking further conflict in the region.
