The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) views the announced resignation of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, as an alarming signal for the country’s stability and for the credibility of the international community: “When a High Representative resigns under political pressure, this is not an orderly transition of office, but a dangerous precedent,” stated Belma Zulčić, Director of the STP Bosnia and Herzegovina section, today in Sarajevo. “The resignation must not be seen as a victory for those forces that have been systematically weakening the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina for years, blocking institutions, and mocking the victims of the war.”
At the same time, the STP criticizes Schmidt’s poor track record. While he did react to attacks against the state order at certain moments, his term was overall marked by hesitation, a lack of strategic consistency, and insufficient political assertiveness. “Through his political stance and individual decisions, Schmidt gave the impression of being close to Croatian nationalist actors rather than consistently protecting the democratic and multi-ethnic foundations of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In light of the Republika Srpska’s open secessionist policy, the continued denial of genocide and war crimes, and the pressure on returnees and minorities, a much more resolute protection of state institutions and victim groups would have been necessary,” said Zulčić.
The international community must send a clear signal in this situation: “The Office of the High Representative must not be weakened or sacrificed to political deals. The UN Security Council must support a committed, independent, and professionally qualified individual who is prepared to consistently defend the peace agreement,” demanded Zulčić. The office must be given sufficient authority and political backing so that it is not once again rendered incapable of acting due to threats, blockades, or geopolitical interests.
“Christian Schmidt did not use the High Representative’s tools with the necessary clarity,” Zulčić continued. “His successor must not become yet another crisis manager. A figure with backbone, experience, and a clear democratic stance, on the other hand, would be an asset for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as for the entire Western Balkans.”
The Office of the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina was established as part of the Dayton Peace Agreement (1995). Christian Schmidt has held the office since 2021. He intends to remain in office until a successor is appointed.
This press release was translated from German to English using AI. If you come across errors or ambiguities, please contact us at 65]G378o6DD6CA.
Contact: Belma Zulčić, Director of the STP Section Bosnia and Herzegovina – 23]E6?]9:3o2D0G378