Protests held across US and Europe over a possible conflict in Bosnia & Herzegovina in the Balkan region

Sarajevo: – There are indications of instability and violence erupting in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Balkan region of Europe. Protests were held against it in 14 countries around the world. The protestors demanded that the United States and the European Union play an active role and avoid possible conflict. Since the last few months, Milorad Dodik, who represents Serbians in the country, has started moves to declare Republika Srpska as an independent country.

Moreover, ethnic tensions have existed since Bosnia and Herzegovina became independent and constant clashes have been reported between Bosnians, Serbians and Croats. The Serbian groups have become more aggressive in the last few years. Milorad Dodik, who represents the Serbs, declared Republika Srpska an independent country. An independent health system has been created, and the plan is being made to build a separate Serbian force.

Against this background, there is fear among the Bosnians and Croats. The citizens aware of the massacre carried out by the Serbs in 1990 are expressing strong displeasure over the new developments and ignorance by the international community. The protestors participating in the protests held in the United States and Europe expressed the same feelings. The protestors claimed, ‘All the Bosnians are one and we will raise our voice against any forces trying to divide the country.’

It is said that there is backing from Russia and Serbia behind the aggression shown by Serbian leader Milorad Dodik. Russia is opposed to expanding the European Union and NATO in Europe. Analysts claim that Russia encouraged ethnic groups in the Balkan countries as a part of this agenda. It is also being accused that the indifference of the European Union strengthens these Russian policies. After being elected as the High Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt had warned about the disintegration of the country. Schmidt had also warned that if the international community did not make timely moves, war could flare-up in this region again, strengthening the disintegration process.

In the last decade of the last century, the Republic of Yugoslavia disintegrated. The conflict sparked at this time resulted in the creation of seven countries. Those countries are Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Kosovo.