Bosnia Police Fail to Arrest Separatist Leader Dodik Amid Rising Tensions

An attempt by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s state police (SIPA) to arrest Milorad Dodik, the separatist leader of the Republika Srpska entity, failed after armed local police intervened and blocked the operation in East Sarajevo. The arrest warrant, issued by Bosnia’s state court for violating the constitutional order and defying court rulings, also targets other top Republika Srpska officials. Dodik, protected by his entity's heavily armed police, accused state authorities of acting on behalf of Bosniak (Muslim) interests and rejected their authority within Republika Srpska. The incident has heightened tensions in the ethnically divided country, reviving concerns over political instability since Dodik has repeatedly called for the Serb entity’s secession and enjoys support from Russia and Serbia while facing U.S. and British sanctions. No violence was reported during the failed arrest, but the standoff underscores the deep divisions and fragile peace in Bosnia since the 1990s war. The international community remains concerned about Dodik’s separatist moves and the potential for renewed conflict.