Bosnia Editor: Serbia Under Vučić Prevents Reconciliation Over War Past

Džana Gazibara Brkanić, an editor at the Balkan Investigative Network in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIRN BiH), has sharply criticized the reactions to the death of Ratko Mladić, describing them as indicative of profound divisions within Bosnia and Herzegovina. She pointed to celebrations in parts of the Republika Srpska entity, where some officials reportedly hailed Mladić, a convicted war criminal, as a hero.

"What is most concerning are the reactions coming from Republika Srpska, where even some state ministers in BiH celebrate the name of Ratko Mladić and call him a hero," Brkanić stated. She noted that in several cities, including Trebinje and Zvornik, candle lighting, flares, and fireworks were held in honor of Mladić, who was convicted by the Hague tribunal for war crimes, including the Markale massacre.

“

What is most concerning are the reactions coming from Republika Srpska, where even some state ministers in BiH celebrate the name of Ratko Mladić and call him a hero.

Brkanić asserted that the region is still a long way from confronting its wartime past and achieving reconciliation. She specifically linked this to the current political climate in Serbia, stating, "I am sure of my position, as long as Serbia is like this, under the leadership of Aleksandar Vučić, we will not be able to talk about accepting the past and responsibility from Serbia."

She stressed the critical need for a systematic approach to educating children about war criminals, presenting them as convicted individuals responsible for horrific crimes, rather than as heroes. Brkanić argued that fostering respect for diversity and accepting the past is impossible under the current Serbian leadership, which she believes hinders genuine reconciliation efforts in the region.

“

I am sure of my position, as long as Serbia is like this, under the leadership of Aleksandar Vučić, we will not be able to talk about accepting the past and responsibility from Serbia.