Bosnia and Herzegovina military officers warn of collapse over political polarization

Officers of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (OSBiH) have issued an open letter warning that the Ministry of Defense and the military are facing a crisis of national intolerance and potential collapse due to political polarization.

The letter specifically targets Defense Minister Zukan Helez, accusing his actions and public statements of creating an atmosphere of national distrust that threatens the cohesion of the professional military system. The officers state that the OSBiH is a vital post-Dayton institution and should not be treated as a private entity for any single minister, political party, or ideology.

Concerns stem from Helez's recent controversial statements, including calls for the withdrawal of signatories from the Dayton Peace Agreement and remarks regarding the status of Republika Srpska. The officers argue that his conduct from 2022 to 2026 requires an institutional analysis to determine if his political actions have compromised the stability of the country's unified defense system.