# Political instability in Bosnia and Herzegovina

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260920-political-instability-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina
> Updated: 2026-09-20T20:12:38.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 2.

Political tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina have escalated following the legal proceedings against Milorad Dodik, the former President of Republika Srpska. After an appeals panel upheld a conviction against Dodik in June 2026, U.S. Representative Celeste Maloy requested that the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control conduct an “expeditious review” to determine if Bosnian officials, including former High Representative Christian Schmidt and the Central Election Commission, engaged in sanctionable conduct by interfering with democratic processes to remove Dodik.

In response to these legal and political pressures, Dodik has renewed demands for the abolition or significant revision of the state-level Court and Prosecutor's Office. He characterized these institutions as an “inquisition” against Republika Srpska, called for strict adherence to the original Dayton Agreement structure, and suggested that Serbian judicial officials should prioritize the interests of the entity.

Domestic criticism has intensified, with Željko Komšić, leader of the Democratic Front, labeling Dodik a declared opponent of the state. Komšić also accused the HDZ and SNSD of forming a political axis, while Elmedin Konaković of NiP Press claimed that Komšić and the DF were responsible for returning the HDZ to power. 

Amidst this instability, political activity continues regarding regional identity and economic engagement. HDZ candidate Darijana Filipović has campaigned on protecting Croatian identity, and Željka Cvijanović reported on a meeting at the White House with Susie Wiles to discuss political issues and economic investment regarding Republika Srpska.

## Claims

- Milorad Dodik demands the abolition or significant revision of the Court and Prosecutor's Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Dodik stated that Serbs in the judiciary have a responsibility to Republika Srpska and should withdraw if necessary. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Dodik suggested that maintaining the Dayton Agreement structure is better for Bosniaks than a centralized state. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Nermin Nikšić stated that the SDP will not participate in political trading regarding public functions. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Radovan Kovačević claimed Christian Schmidt intended to seize the property of Republika Srpska. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Elmedin Konaković accused Željko Komšić and the DF of creating the HDZ-SNSD political axis. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Željko Komšić described Milorad Dodik as a declared opponent of Bosnia and Herzegovina. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Slaven Kovačević expressed his intention to fight against the HDZ-SNSD axis in the Presidency. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-20: Milorad Dodik demands abolition of Bosnia and Herzegovina state judiciary

Milorad Dodik is demanding the abolition or revision of Bosnia and Herzegovina's state judiciary, while political leaders clash over the formation of new political blocs and the future of the state.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eljko-komi-criticizes-political-opposition-to-unified-pro-bosnian-bloc

### 2026-09-10: Rep. Celeste Maloy urges probe into Bosnian officials over Dodik removal

U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy is urging the Treasury Department to investigate whether Bosnian officials interfered with democratic processes to remove former Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rep-celeste-maloy-urges-probe-into-bosnian-officials-over-dodik-removal

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Cite as: Political instability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260920-political-instability-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina