Bosnia and Herzegovina: Republic Day celebrations Jan. 9

Event

The Republika Srprska (RS) will celebrate its Republic Day on Tuesday, January 9. Increased security and traffic restrictions will be put in place during the holiday. Large commercial vehicles will be prohibited from most streets in Banja Luka from 07:00 (local time) on January 9 until 04:00 on Wednesday, January 10. The use of drones has also been banned in the city except for individuals that receive special permission from the Ministry of the Interior. Parades are expected to take place in major cities and towns throughout the region, with main events to be held in Banja Luka. Expect significant disruptions and increased security measures in the days leading up to and on January 9.

Context

Republika Srpska is a mostly autonomous region in the country populated by Bosnian Serbs. Tensions have been high in the country since the citizens in RS overwhelmingly supported a referendum to keep January 9 as the region’s national day. January 9 is the anniversary of the 1993 decision by Bosnia Serb lawmakers to declare independence from Bosnia, which started a three-year-long ethnic war.

Advice

Individuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in the RS region, are advised to allow additional time to travel, obey all instructions issued by the local authorities, avoid talking about sensitive political topics in public, and avoid large gatherings due to the risk of violence.