Bosnia’s Defence Chief Warns: Dodik’s Moves Endanger Stability
Defence Minister Zukan Helez accuses Milorad Dodik of exploiting nationalist rhetoric, threatening Bosnia’s unity and rekindling the dangerous narratives of the past.
As Bosnia and Herzegovina navigates the treacherous waters of post-war recovery, its people are haunted by the shadows of a conflict that tore their nation apart nearly three decades ago. The Dayton Agreement may have halted the bloodshed, but it also left the country fractured, both physically and politically. Today, the ethnic and political divisions that were forged in the fires of war continue to shape Bosnia's destiny, as the country struggles to build a future free from the ghosts of its past.
In the midst of rising tensions and political uncertainty, I travelled to Sarajevo to meet with Zukan Helez, Bosnia’s Minister of Defence. As the country grapples with threats to its territorial integrity and sovereignty—most notably from within its own borders—Helez stands at the forefront of efforts to maintain stability and security. Our conversation, candid and revealing, offered a glimpse into the challenges facing Bosnia and the complexities of its fragile peace.
Helez greeted me with a firm handshake and a calm demeanour that belied the seriousness of our discussion. As we began, I asked him how the Ministry of Defence is responding to the heightened tensions in Bosnia, particularly in light of recent provocations from the Republika Srpska. His response was measured, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
"The Ministry of Defence, according to our constitution, has several key responsibilities," Helez began. "One of those is safeguarding the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its borders, and its sovereignty. We closely monitor the situation and ensure that our borders are secure, while police structures handle internal security."
His words underscored a fundamental truth about Bosnia today: the nation remains deeply divided. The Republika Srpska, one of the two entities that make up Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been a constant source of tension, with its leadership frequently challenging the authority of the central government in Sarajevo. In recent months, these challenges have escalated, with Republika Srpska leaders, including the controversial Milorad Dodik, making increasingly bold moves that threaten to destabilise the entire country.
Helez was quick to point out that the armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite being composed of members from different ethnic backgrounds—including Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs—have managed to function as a cohesive unit.
"The Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina are multiethnic, and we have no problems when it comes to their functioning," he assured me. "Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, and all others serve together without issue."
As our conversation inevitably turned to the role of Milorad Dodik, the leader of the Republika Srpska, Helez didn’t mince words. Dodik has been a persistent thorn in the side of the Bosnian state, his actions, including recent attempts to pull the Republika Srpska out of Bosnia’s national institutions, raising alarms both domestically and internationally.
"Dodik is using his people—he is using Serbs—to hide his own criminal issues," Helez stated bluntly. "He has committed crimes and now he tries to save himself with this narrative about Serbs not being safe. That’s not true."
Helez's frustration was palpable as he described how Dodik’s rhetoric echoed the dangerous nationalist narratives that fuelled the Bosnian War in the 1990s. "This narrative is familiar from the former Yugoslavia, where claims of Serb endangerment were used to justify aggression and the redrawing of borders," he said. "Dodik is following the same playbook, trying to present his own problems as the problems of all Serbs."
Helez also highlighted the broader geopolitical context, noting Dodik’s close ties to Moscow and Belgrade. "Dodik is playing a dangerous game, supported by the Kremlin and emboldened by leaders like Aleksandar Vucic in Serbia," he warned.
"He speaks of denying genocide, of a ‘Serbian world’—all of which are narratives that serve to destabilise Bosnia and Herzegovina."
Given the escalating tensions, I asked Helez whether Bosnia’s armed forces were prepared to defend the country’s territorial integrity should the situation deteriorate further. His answer was a mix of confidence and caution.
"The Dayton Agreement clearly outlines how Bosnia and Herzegovina is to be protected if attacked," Helez explained.
"First, the EUFOR Althea mission is tasked with intervening in the event of any conflict or unrest. If they are unable to do so, then NATO is obligated to protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina."
Helez emphasised that the armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina are well-equipped and ready to defend the country if necessary. "We are prepared to defend Bosnia and Herzegovina against any aggression," he declared. "We have the armed forces, we have SIPA (State Investigation and Protection Agency), we have the border police, and we have all the necessary structures in place."
However, Helez was also clear that the primary responsibility for maintaining peace and stability lies with the international community, particularly NATO and the European Union. "If the worst-case scenario were to occur," he said, "our armed forces, supported by our international partners, are ready to ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains intact."
In discussing the broader regional dynamics, Helez drew a parallel between Bosnia’s situation and the recent tensions in Kosovo, where Serbian forces launched an attack in September 2023. This attack, orchestrated by Milan Radoičić and allegedly supported by Belgrade, was a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the Balkans.
"The situation in Kosovo is concerning, particularly because of the external influences at play," Helez noted. "There is a sense that international actors are tolerating Vučić’s aggressive rhetoric towards Kosovo, which could have dangerous implications for the region."
Helez expressed his concern that the same external actors might tolerate similar moves by Dodik in Bosnia. "If such narratives are tolerated in Kosovo, there is a risk that they could embolden leaders like Dodik to push for secession or other destabilising actions in Bosnia," he warned. "But I am confident that, with the support of our international partners, we can maintain the constitutional order and ensure the security of our country."
As our conversation drew to a close, Helez spoke passionately about the importance of preserving Bosnia’s multiethnic character. "The Ministry of Defense is the most integrated part of Bosnian society in the post-conflict period," he said. "Our multiethnic armed forces are a model for the entire country, demonstrating how different ethnic groups can work together to protect our nation."
Helez was optimistic about the future, emphasising the strong cooperation between Bosnia and its regional neighbours, including Croatia, Serbia, Kosovo, and Montenegro. "We have intense cooperation with the defence ministries of our neighbouring countries," he said. "We exchange cadets, soldiers, and officers for training in Zagreb, Belgrade, and Skopje. This cooperation is crucial for promoting peace and stability in the region."
As I left the Ministry of Defence, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Bosnia is a nation on edge—its peace fragile, its future uncertain. The challenges it faces are immense, from internal divisions to external pressures, and the path forward is fraught with danger.
But there is also hope. Bosnia’s multiethnic armed forces, under the leadership of people like Zukan Helez, represent a beacon of stability in a region that has seen too much bloodshed. Their commitment to defending Bosnia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, supported by the international community, offers a glimmer of optimism in an otherwise bleak landscape.
The road ahead is long and uncertain, but as Bosnia continues to navigate the complexities of post-war recovery, it is clear that its people are determined to build a future free from the shadows of the past. The question remains: will the world stand with them in their pursuit of peace, or will the ghosts of the Balkans be allowed to rise once again?
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This is the fourth of five reportages, with one more coming next week.
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