09 Sep 2024 | 11:35 AM UTC
Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro: Authorities reopen Bernjak/Brnjak, Jarinje and Merdare border crossings as of Sept. 9. Further closures possible /update 2
Authorities reopen three border crossing points between Kosovo and Serbia as of Sept. 9; disruptions ongoing at Montenegro-Kosovo border.
Authorities reportedly reopened the border crossing points of Bernjak/Brnjak, Jarinje, and Merdare between Kosovo and Serbia as of Sept. 9. It remains unclear when the border crossing points of Koncul/Konculj, connecting Kosovo and Serbia, and Kula, connecting Montenegro and Kosovo, will be reopened. Activists staged protest blockades on Sept. 6-7, prompting local authorities to close the border crossing points.
Mild border crossing disruptions will likely continue through Sept. 9 as authorities work through cargo and vehicle backlogs. Further protest activity is possible in the coming days at crossing points on the Kosovo-Serbia border. Heightened security and transport disruptions are likely near all border crossing points.
Allow additional time to cross between Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia. Consider taking alternative travel routes if disruptions are severe. Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign that any security disturbance may occur.
On Sept. 6, activists staged protest blockades at the Kula crossing on the Kosovo-Montenegro border as well as the Bernjak/Brnjak, Jarinje, Koncul/Konculj, and Merdare crossings on the Kosovo-Serbia border. On Sept. 7, Kosovo's Interior Minister announced the closure of the Bernjak/Brnjak and Merdare border crossings. The purpose of the campaign was to demand the withdrawal of Kosovar police from areas of northern Kosovo with Serb populations, as well as the return of institutional control to local leadership. Organizers reportedly provided transportation to bring supporters from numerous Serbian cities - including Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Nis - to the protest sites; several hundred people likely participated.
