Komšić for NAP: I only receive security assessments when I ask for them, journalists suppress propaganda against BiH more than institutions

Interview by A. Čorbo-Zećo

At a time when Bosnia and Herzegovina is going through a new phase of political turmoil, threats of destabilization, and increasingly loud calls for division, we spoke with the Chairman of the Presidency of BiH, Željko Komšić.

In an interview with the Patria news agency, Komšić discusses the current security situation in the country, the capacity of domestic institutions to respond to potential challenges, the role of the international community, the threats of hybrid warfare, and concrete measures that the Presidency of BiH can take to protect citizens and preserve the stability of the state.

Mr. Komšić, how do you assess the current security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in the context of political tensions and constant threats of destabilizing the country?

Komšić: The current security situation is at a satisfactory level. Political tensions are something inherent to post-Dayton Bosnia and Herzegovina. Only their intensity changes. Sometimes they are less pronounced, and sometimes more so.

This is somewhat logical, considering that the war never ended but was simply interrupted. Bosnia and Herzegovina continued its existence with a changed internal structure.

The basic goal, preserving BiH as a state, was then fulfilled, but numerous problems remained. The possibility of undermining the state was left to those who had done so before in cooperation with neighbors. Their strength, however, weakens over time.

Hence, the aggressive rhetoric intensifies. These numerous attempts to destroy BiH peacefully are precisely evidence of the loss of strength of those who want to destroy BiH, because if they were as strong as they want to appear, they would talk and threaten less, and try to achieve their goals more forcefully. Therefore, preserving peace is in our interest, in the interest of the majority of BiH citizens. The longer peace lasts, the weaker the factors of destruction and destabilization will become.

Yesterday, we could see data that the entity where destabilization is threatened collects three times less tax revenue than the federal entity. This is also a good indicator of the balance of power.

Do you believe that domestic security institutions are strong and coordinated enough to respond to potential challenges? It is increasingly evident that they are not capable – to what extent, and can we count on the international community at all?

Komšić: After the experience of the nineties, I am inclined to say that we cannot and should not count on the international community at all. We must, and I repeat this often lately, rely on ourselves first and foremost. We must start strengthening our own defense capabilities and means of defense, that is primary, because without it we are exposed to every kind of attack.

Of course, the international community is a broad term. There are friends and enemies among them.

It is up to us to use the open doors of friendly countries to strengthen our capacities through cooperation with them.

How serious a risk are hybrid warfare threats, such as disinformation, propaganda, and foreign influence, to the security of BiH and its Euro-Atlantic path?

Komšić: This is primarily a question for our security agencies. I think they should inform citizens more often about this, and even educate them. Every ordinary citizen has the opportunity to witness a series of content, especially on social networks and online platforms, that are directed against the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its institutions, and its very essence.

I am not sure that we, as a state, are organizedly opposing this. It seems to me that journalists and responsible individuals are trying to suppress propaganda against the state, disinformation, and similar things more than the institutions tasked with it, which falls within the scope of our "fight in sneakers."

It is time to finally get out of our sneakers and, in this regard, in the fight against propaganda and disinformation, start defending in uniforms. Both because of the Euro-Atlantic path you mention, but much more for ourselves here and for our country. The risks of hybrid warfare on the Euro-Atlantic path are not only our concern but also the concern of our Euro-Atlantic partners. But the concern for the security and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina is solely ours.

What concrete measures can and should the Presidency of BiH take in the coming period to ensure stability and protect citizens from political and security crises?

Komšić: The Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina are directly subordinate to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. At one of the last sessions, we allocated additional funds for the AF BiH, which is not enough, but it is certainly a step forward. This is one of the concrete measures, considering that in the event of escalation, the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina are the only ones with legality and legitimacy to bring all security agencies in BiH under their control.

Due to the complexity of the overall situation and the decision-making process, it is difficult to constantly adopt new measures. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a state, has adopted all the necessary decisions and documents that clearly outline what needs to be done to ensure the stability of the country. These are documents such as the Defense Review and Reform Programs that need to be fully implemented, and only then adopt new measures based on the new situation.

Have security agencies ever provided the Presidency of BiH with an assessment of the security situation, and has it been requested if they have not fulfilled their legal obligation?

Komšić: As a member of the Presidency of BiH, I can say that I have received these assessments in matters and cases for which I have expressed interest.