Milorad Dodik Heads Bosnia’s August Commemoration, Sparks UNESCO Petition

On 4 August, Republika Srpska will host a ceremony marking the 1995 military actions. Milorad Dodik, leader of the SNSD party, was appointed president of the Organising Committee, effectively replacing the constitutionally elected president, Siniša Karan, and positioning Dodik to speak alongside Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who will attend the event in Mrkonjić Grad.

Political analyst Mladen Bubonjić noted that while Dodik’s formal positions have not changed, protocol has been reshaped to favour him as the SNSD remains in power, underscoring his enduring influence over Republika Srpska’s institutions.

Separately, SNSD supporters have launched a petition to have Dodik declared a “living human heritage” under UNESCO’s program for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. The campaign, promoted by Željka Cvijanović, argues that Dodik’s political skill constitutes a national treasure and seeks UNESCO protection, despite the agency’s rules that individuals cannot be listed as material heritage.