Guardians of Bosnia sent a call to the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state

(Patria) - The association Guardians of Bosnia sent a call to the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH.

We are forwarding the call in its entirety:

"Dear members of the Presidency of BiH, the Council of Ministers of BiH, the Ministry of Defense of BiH, and the Ministry of Security of BiH,

We are addressing you with deep concern over the increasingly pronounced and aggressive moves of Milorad Dodik, the president of the entity of Republika Srpska, and his party SNSD, whose goal is clearly the destabilization of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the undermining of its constitutional order. As January 9 approaches, a day celebrated in Republika Srpska in a manner that represents an open secessionist provocation, we believe it is necessary for all state institutions of BiH, including you, to take concrete and decisive measures to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state.

The main reason for this concern is the continuous escalation of secessionist aspirations by Milorad Dodik and his party. From organizing an illegal pseudo-referendum in 2016, to the provocative and unconstitutional "military parade" in Sarajevo in 2023, we have witnessed systematic violations of the Constitution of BiH and the undermining of its constitutional order.

These activities represent direct attacks on the integrity of the state and can no longer be ignored. What is particularly concerning is the insufficient reaction of state security structures to these activities. It is not clear how seriously the potential consequences of Dodik's moves are being taken, nor in what way state institutions are preparing to counter any attempts at secession. Also, the behavior of EUFOR and other international partners who are obliged to preserve the territorial integrity of BiH has so far been indecisive and insufficient. It is especially concerning that security agencies, through their inaction and inactivity in protecting the constitutional order of BiH, are indirectly supporting and aiding the secessionist aspirations of Milorad Dodik and his party.

Therefore, we are submitting the following demands to you:

1. Visit all state security structures - agencies and institutions, and verify their readiness and capacity to act in accordance with the Constitution and the Law in the event of any attempt to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of BiH.

2. Issue a clear and decisive public statement condemning the secessionist aspirations of Milorad Dodik and his party, and emphasize the irrevocable belonging of BiH to Dayton and its constitutional order.

3. Develop and adopt a concrete action plan for the protection of the constitutional order of BiH in the event of an attempted secession or other unconstitutional activities.

4. Request from the international community to clearly and unequivocally state that it will not tolerate violations of the constitutional order of BiH and that it will immediately and decisively react to any attempts at destabilization of the state. Request from them a precise action plan against secessionism, which they will be obliged to adhere to in the event of such an occurrence.

We believe that now is the crucial moment to courageously and decisively oppose all secessionist and unconstitutional aspirations. Otherwise, you risk showing weakness and indecisiveness, which could encourage Dodik and his followers to go even further in their plans to break up BiH.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is at a crossroads. It is necessary for all state institutions to show unity and determination in protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state. We demand that you take concrete measures and do everything necessary for BiH to remain a whole and functional state."