Monday, 24th March 2025
As the voice of Muslim youth in Europe, FEMYSO is alarmed by the recent political and security crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The increasing instability has exposed the fragility of the Dayton Peace Agreement and serves as a dangerous reminder of the ideologies that led to the Bosnian genocide of the 1990s. As a youth-led organisation advocating for justice and human rights, FEMYSO stands in solidarity with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina against attempts to undermine its sovereignty and security.
The recent sentencing of Milorad Dodik, the ultra-nationalist president of the Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS) entity, to one year in prison with a six-year ban from holding presidential office has further exposed these tensions. Dodik’s refusal to accept the verdict and his threats to “radicalise the situation” have been followed by unconstitutional separatist laws enacted by the Republika Srpska National Assembly.
Due to the attacks on the constitutional order, the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina has requested the arrest of RS President Milorad Dodik, Prime Minister of the RS Government Radovan Višković, and President of the RS National Assembly Nenad Stevandić. Security agencies have not yet executed the court order due to security challenges.
The rise in security threats, reminiscent of the 1990s, is exacerbated by the normalisation of escalating rhetoric including Islamophobia among media, politicians and the public at the local and national levels which is alarming within the context of genocide denial and triumphalism. The EU peacekeeping force (EUFOR) has been forced to deploy reserve forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina to prevent further destabilisation.
Amid these developments, the Srebrenica Genocide Memorial Centre has taken the difficult decision to close its doors due to security threats. This closure is an evident indication of the worsening situations and highlights the urgent need for international intervention. The Memorial Centre, run by survivors of the Srebrenica genocide, plays a critical role in preserving historical truth and honouring the memory of the victims. With the 30-year commemoration of the Srebrenica Genocide approaching in July 2025, it is essential that the centre is protected from those seeking to erase history.
President of FEMYSO, Hania, stated: “The closure of the Srebrenica Genocide Memorial Centre is a distressing reflection of the worsening situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The international community cannot remain silent while history is being rewritten and security is under threat. We must act now to safeguard peace, truth, and justice.”
FEMYSO calls on the EU to:
- Condemn secessionist threats in Bosnia and Herzegovina and urge Milorad Dodik to comply with the summons from Bosnia and Herzegovina judiciary.
- Empower the security organs and law enforcement of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure that any actual step towards secession by Milorad Dodik are quelled
- Impose sanctions on Milorad Dodik, Radovan Viskovic and Nenad Stevandic as their illegal moves are a direct threat to the peace and integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina
FEMYSO stands with all who call for peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and denounce all those that seek to divide and destroy our societies with their dangerous language and actions.
END
Notes:
1. FEMYSO (est. 1996) is a network organisation for 30 Muslim youth and student organisations across 22 European countries, and is the leading voice for European Muslim youth, developing and empowering them, and working to build a more diverse, cohesive and vibrant Europe.
2. For more media-related information or requests please email media@femyso.org.
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