It is a show of force that we should attend this Sunday in Banja Luka, on the occasion of the anniversary of the Serbian Republic of Bosnia (RS). Thirty years after this declaration of independence which precipitated the war of the 90s, the Bosnian Serb leadership once again threatens to implode the federal state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Reporting.
With our correspondent in Sarajevo, Louis Seiller
Thirty years ago, the small town of Pale gained a worldwide reputation when it became the capital of the Bosnian Serbs during the four-year siege of Sarajevo.
Nikola, a 60-year-old retiree is proud of this anniversary. ” Here it is 100% Republika Srpska, he assures. All the people here are Serbs and always have been. Secession is just the normal way to go. “
A month ago, ultranationalist leader Milorad Dodik passed a series of laws aimed at separating Republika Srpska from the federal state. Specialized educator, Milena fears a return of inter-community violence. ” I have already lived through a war and today hearing these discussions about the risks of war on TV all the time, it’s really depressing. Depressing “, she says.
► To listen and read also: Milorad Dodik, secessionist leader of the Republika Srpska [Européen de la semaine]
In the Muslim enclaves of Republika Srpska, many residents are hoping for a strong reaction from the international community. This is the case of Hamet, 64 years old. “ We must sanction those who want to destroy Bosnia and Herzegovina, he asserts. I am thinking of our neighbors, Serbia and Croatia. All this cannot continue without a real risk of conflict. ”
In Sarajevo, some commentators already see 2022 as a pivotal year, with no illusions about theinfluence of the European Union, even more divided than 30 years ago, faced with its new tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
► To listen and read also: Bosnia and Herzegovina risks implosion [Reportage international]
■ Can this process of secession, which is very worrying for the stability of the region, come to an end?
The analysis of Loïc Tregoures, political science teacher at the Catholic Institute of Paris, specialist in the Balkans.