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[INTERNATIONAL] · Bosnia & Herzegovina, Canada, United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia · 6 sources

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Part of situation: Milorad Dodik political rhetoric and sovereignty claims (5 clusters)

Republika Srpska engaged in multi-million dollar lobbying for secession

Republika Srpska secession lobbying Dickens & Madson Milorad Dodik foreign agent registration

Documents submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that the government of Republika Srpska (RS) has engaged in extensive lobbying efforts aimed at securing independence from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

One major contract, valued at four million dollars and signed in September 2025 by Mladen Filipović, was awarded to the Montreal-based firm Dickens & Madson. Led by Ari Ben-Menashe, the firm reportedly advocated for RS secession before U.S., Israeli, and Saudi Arabian officials. Dickens & Madson's reports claim that both Israel and Saudi Arabia have interests in the independence of the entity.

Additionally, reports indicate that RS authorities hired Zell & Associates International Advocates, which facilitated payments to American-Israeli lawyer Eugene Kontorovich. Kontorovich, a professor at George Mason University, received 65,000 dollars for consulting services related to RS activities.

Analysts suggest that Milorad Dodik's increasing ties with Israel may be a strategic move to balance regional powers like Turkey and Iran, while also seeking better access to U.S. political circles.

Entities

Ari Ben-Menashe · Dickens & Madson · Eugene Kontorovich · Milorad Dodik · Republika Srpska

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [● 2 SOURCES] A contract for lobbying services was signed in September 2025 by Mladen Filipović, a representative of Republika Srpska. tuzlainfo.ba · www.oslobodjenje.ba
  • [● 2 SOURCES] The Canadian lobbying firm Dickens & Madson is engaged in lobbying for the secession and independence of Republika Srpska from Bosnia and Herzegovina. tuzlainfo.ba · www.oslobodjenje.ba
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Dickens & Madson provided consulting and public relations services to secure political support for the consolidation of Republika Srpska's position. detektor.ba
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Israel seeks to expand its maneuvering space and balance Turkey and Iran through partnerships with entities like Republika Srpska. face.ba
  • [DISPUTED] The contract for lobbying services is valued at four million dollars, payable in two installments. tuzlainfo.ba · www.oslobodjenje.ba
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The governments of Israel and Saudi Arabia have an interest in the independence of Republika Srpska. detektor.ba
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Lawyer Eugene Kontorovich received 65,000 dollars in five payments between August and December 2025 for consulting activities related to Republika Srpska. www.zasrebrenicu.ba

Sources

Dodik nastavlja tražiti podršku za secesiju: RS za lobiranje plaćala američko-izraelskog pravnika [www.zasrebrenicu.ba]
Puljić: Dodikovi lobisti za četiri miliona dolara zagovaraju nezavisnost RS-a [tuzlainfo.ba]
Turski list: Dodikovo zbližavanje s Izraelom pokušaj je balansiranja Turske | Face | Jedina neovisna medijska kuća [face.ba]
Detektor objašnjava: Lobiranje kanadske firme “Dickens & Madson” za nezavisnost Republike Srpske [detektor.ba]
Puljić raskrinkao Dodika i lobiste: BiH može dići optužnicu u Kanadi i SAD-u [www.oslobodjenje.ba]
Dodik's Lobbyists claim Officials of Saudi Arabia and Israel supported the Independence of RS [sarajevotimes.com]