A collective of US senators and congressmen has addressed an urgent letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, advocating for immediate measures to safeguard the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In their correspondence, they voiced apprehension regarding recent actions by Milorad Dodik, the president of Bosnia’s Republika Srpska entity, who they argue is undermining the constitutional order and violating the Dayton Peace Agreement.

The legislators have urged the implementation of sanctions to avert further deterioration of the situation in Bosnia.

Specifically, they are advocating for the enhancement of targeted sanctions against Dodik and his associates, which would include added financial restrictions and a travel ban for those who threaten Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty.

Additionally, they are requesting a stronger diplomatic approach towards Bosnia and Herzegovina by appointing a special envoy for the Western Balkans to oversee policy initiatives.

The letter emphasized the importance of closely coordinating with European allies to present a united international front against secessionist threats and to assess EUFOR’s preparedness in countering potential security risks.

On March 5, Milorad Dodik enacted decrees voiding laws deemed unconstitutional by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska. These laws barred the Court and Prosecutor’s Office of BiH, the Agency for Investigation and Protection – SIPA BiH, and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) of BiH from conducting activities.

The assembly of Republika Srpska passed these laws on February 27, following a first-instance ruling that sentenced Dodik to a year in prison and imposed a six-year ban on him holding office.

Furthermore, on March 13, the parliament is anticipated to deliberate over a new draft constitution for RS, which aims to define the entity as a state for the Serbian people, grant it self-determination rights, establish its own military, and eliminate the Council of Peoples.

The US senators and congressmen reaffirmed that the security, stability, and economic progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina are crucial not only for the region but also for the United States.

They stated, “Strong leadership from the United States, in concert with our allies and partners, is vital to counter Dodik’s destabilizing actions. We are prepared to support the Administration’s endeavors in this respect,” referencing Dodik’s history of secessionist behaviors for which he was previously sanctioned during the Trump administration.

On March 12, the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina issued a summons for Dodik to be interrogated after he failed to respond to earlier requests from this judicial body.

The Prosecutor’s Office revealed that an investigation has been underway since December 2024, as there are grounds for suspicion of an “attack on the constitutional order.”

According to the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina, penalties of up to five years in prison may be imposed for anyone who unlawfully seeks to modify the constitutional order or disrupt its highest institutions.

News