NewsRepublic of Srpska land grabs hint at secession ambitions

Republic of Srpska land grabs hint at secession ambitions

The Republic of Srpska (RS), an autonomous region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is taking over land from repatriates, suggesting preparations for possible secession. Information from the daily "Oslobodjenje" highlights that those returning to their land receive no protection from the state.

Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska
Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska
Images source: © East News | ELVIS BARUKCIC

23 October 2024 08:44

According to "Oslobodjenje," repatriates are facing serious issues concerning the confiscation of their private property, which is being seized by RS authorities for their own purposes. The newspaper notes that vast areas of private land have been appropriated without intervention from the central institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, leaving owners without protection of their human and property rights.

One example is the case of Salim Mustafić, who bought land in the 1980s to build a house. When he recently visited the office, he was informed that his plot had been appropriated. A lawyer explained to him that the area would be fenced, afforested, and turned into the main hunting ground of the Republic of Srpska. Mustafić has announced he will fight for his land.

Lonely fight

Mustafić appealed to the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees and the Ministry of Displaced Persons of BiH for legal assistance for thousands of people in a similar predicament, emphasizing that non-Serbs are treated as fifth-class citizens and need help.

Interviewees from "Oslobodjenje" highlight the inactivity of the central institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which forces repatriates to independently fight legal battles against the Republic of Srpska authorities.

Aspirations for independence

According to the newspaper, many believe these actions are steps to prepare the Republic of Srpska to seek independence. These intentions have long been anticipated, but the relationship between Bosnia and Herzegovina's institutions and the international community, which remains passive in observing human rights violations and property confiscations, is unclear.

Milorad Dodik, the President of the Republic of Srpska, has frequently questioned the integrity and validity of Bosnia and Herzegovina's existence. In February 2023, during an interview with Russia Today, he admitted he aimed for the Republic of Srpska to become an independent country.

See also

Source: PAP/WP

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