The United States is expressing concern over the recent adoption of anti-constitutional and anti-Dayton laws by the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, as announced by the US Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 6th.

“To be clear, this is a calculated provocation against Bosnia and Herzegovina’s constitutional order, representing a direct threat to both the stability of BiH and the strategic interests of the United States,” the US Embassy stated on the social media platform X.

The Law on Non-Application of Laws and Prohibition of Action by Institutions of BiH, adopted in the RS entity on February 27, restricts the operations of the Court and Prosecutor’s Office of BiH, the state police (State Investigation and Protection Agency – SIPA), and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, which appoints judges and prosecutors throughout the state.

On March 5, RS President Milorad Dodik signed a decree declaring unconstitutional laws published in the RS Official Gazette that pertain to the non-implementation of laws and the restriction of BiH institutions’ activities.

The US Embassy in BiH has called on all political leaders, particularly those supporting these decisions, to avoid further acts of destabilization and inflammatory discourse.

“Engage in constructive and responsible political dialogue. Support BiH’s democratic institutions and uphold the rule of law. Do what you can to mitigate political tensions. The citizens you serve deserve nothing less,” the statement emphasized.

The United States reaffirms its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH, as well as its commitment to the country’s full integration into the Euro-Atlantic community.

Additionally, they reiterated their unwavering commitment to the Dayton Peace Agreement and a stable, secure Bosnia and Herzegovina for over 30 years.

The unilateral withdrawal of jurisdiction by the state of BiH over part of its territory conflicts with the Constitution of BiH.

On February 26, Dodik was found guilty, based on a non-final verdict, for failing to respect decisions made by the High Representative, Christian Schmidt, and for signing a decree that promulgated laws previously annulled by Schmidt. These laws aimed to obstruct the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s decisions within the territory of the RS.

Subsequently, the National Assembly of Republika Srpska enacted laws, including one prohibiting the operation of four state institutions within the RS territory.

Under the leadership of Dodik’s Alliance of Independent Social Democrats, MPs supported amendments to the BiH Criminal Code, making it a criminal offense to defy the decisions of authorities in that entity, effectively urging Serbs to withdraw from state institutions and police agencies.

The Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina states that individuals could face penalties of up to five years in prison and bans on holding official duties if they “illegally attempt to alter the constitutional order of BiH or to overthrow its highest institutions.”

Dodik recently shared on social media that he had been summoned by the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina “as a suspect in the overthrow of the constitutional order,” declaring he would not comply with the summons.

News