Tensions rise. Republika Srpska's secession threat may ignite war

The German newspaper Die Welt expresses grave concerns about a potential secession by Republika Srpska, the Serbian-majority region in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The publication fears such an action could spark a war in the country within mere hours.

Die Welt references recent secession threats that emerged during the discussions on the UN resolution regarding the Srebrenica genocide. This resolution proposes July 11 as the anniversary to commemorate the events in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina as the International Day of Remembrance for the Genocide.

In July 1995, the area of Srebrenica, designated a UN safe zone at the time, witnessed the massacre of over 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys. Efforts to locate the remains of approximately a thousand victims of this atrocity are ongoing.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic voiced his apprehension that adopting the resolution might spark future demands for war reparations against Belgrade and lead to the disintegration of Republika Srpska (RS) — a region recognized by the Dayton peace agreement and comprised of territories where genocide and ethnic cleansing took place.

RS President Milorad Dodik stated that his administration is resolute in pursuing independence for the Serb-dominated area of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nonetheless, he denies the occurrence of genocide near Srebrenica.

According to Die Welt, Dodik has the backing of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Serbian President. RS Vice President Camil Durakovic issued a stark warning that if Dodik proceeds with secession, the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina will erupt within an hour.

Durakovic calls on the international community to take action.

Munira Subasic, a member of the "Mothers of Srebrenica" organization, which includes women who lost relatives in the 1995 genocide, alleges that the policy of genocide persists in Republika Srpska.