The Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued a nationwide arrest warrant for Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska, along with Prime Minister Radovan Višković and National Assembly Speaker Nenad Stevandić. This follows their refusal to comply with a previous state-level warrant issued last week.
Under the latest order, all law enforcement officers in Bosnia must arrest the three politicians on sight. Reports suggest that Stevandić has already left for Serbia. Authorities have yet to act on the earlier warrants, but the new ruling makes immediate enforcement mandatory.
Dodik Rejects Arrest Warrant and Calls for Independence
Milorad Dodik has not directly responded to the new warrant but remains defiant. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Republika Srpska is moving forward with plans to create its own border police. This force would control crossings between Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, challenging the authority of state institutions.
He previously dismissed Bosnia’s state-level prosecution as illegitimate and refused to recognize last week’s arrest warrant. He also declared that he would not appear in Sarajevo for questioning or acknowledge any legal actions against him.
Dodik’s actions increase tensions in Bosnia, where political divisions remain deep. His push for greater autonomy in Republika Srpska threatens national unity and could lead to further conflict.
Political Crisis Deepens Amid International Concerns
The crisis escalated in February when Bosnia’s state court convicted Dodik for defying rulings by the country’s international peace envoy, Christian Schmidt. The court found his actions illegal, though the verdict is not final and can still be appealed.
In response, Dodik introduced new laws to block state-level security agencies and judicial institutions from operating in Republika Srpska. However, Bosnia’s Constitutional Court has temporarily suspended these measures, preventing their enforcement.
The situation has drawn international concern. The European Union peacekeeping force (EUFOR) has since increased its military presence in Bosnia. The deployment aims to maintain peace and prevent potential violence as political tensions rise.
Risk of Further Fragmentation in Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina remains divided into two governing entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska. While the Dayton Peace Agreement of 1995 ended the Bosnian War, it left the country with a fragile political system.
Dodik has long advocated for greater independence for Republika Srpska, openly opposing the authority of Bosnia’s central government. His latest actions, including ignoring court rulings and proposing a separate border force, could deepen the divide and threaten stability.
The arrest warrant against Dodik and his allies marks a critical moment. If law enforcement proceeds with arrests, tensions could rise between Sarajevo and Banja Luka, Republika Srpska’s capital. If authorities hesitate, it may further weaken Bosnia’s judicial and political institutions.
EU and U.S. Call for Stability
International leaders have urged Bosnia to maintain stability and uphold its legal system. The European Union has warned against moves that could destabilize the country. Meanwhile, the United States has imposed sanctions on Dodik in the past for his separatist rhetoric and efforts to undermine the Dayton Agreement.
The ongoing political battle raises concerns about Bosnia’s future. The country has faced economic struggles and slow progress toward European Union membership. Internal disputes further delay potential integration and economic growth.
With the arrest warrant in effect, authorities in Bosnia must decide whether to act against Dodik, Višković, and Stevandić. If they proceed, it could lead to protests or political retaliation from Republika Srpska leaders. If they hesitate, it may weaken the rule of law in the country.
The international community will closely monitor developments. EUFOR’s increased presence suggests preparations for possible unrest. Meanwhile, Dodik’s defiance continues to test the limits of Bosnia’s fragile peace.