Bosnia and Herzegovina, a nation scarred by the horrors of genocide, remains vulnerable to future violence due to unaddressed societal trauma, experts warn. The lingering wounds of the Bosnian War, which culminated in the Srebrenica genocide in 1995, continue to fester, creating a fertile ground for renewed conflict.
The warning highlights the critical need for comprehensive reconciliation efforts and institutional reforms to address the deep-seated ethnic divisions that persist in Bosnian society. The genocide, where over 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were systematically murdered, left an indelible mark on the national psyche. This trauma, coupled with political instability and economic hardship, creates an environment ripe for exploitation by nationalist elements seeking to stoke tensions.
Analysts point to the rise of divisive rhetoric and the glorification of war criminals as alarming signs. These actions undermine efforts to build trust and foster a shared national identity. The international community has a crucial role to play in supporting Bosnia's reconciliation process and ensuring accountability for past atrocities.
"A society that has gone through a genocide is more prone to it," says Dr. Selma Leydesdorff, a professor of oral history and culture at the University of Amsterdam. "The trauma is passed down through generations, creating a cycle of violence."
The international community must increase its engagement in Bosnia, providing financial and technical assistance to support reconciliation initiatives, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote economic development. Failure to address the underlying causes of conflict could have devastating consequences, not only for Bosnia but for the entire region.
Moving forward, Bosnia must prioritize truth and justice, ensuring that victims are properly commemorated and that perpetrators are held accountable. Only through a comprehensive and sustained effort to address the legacy of the genocide can Bosnia hope to break the cycle of violence and build a more peaceful and prosperous future.
The warning highlights the critical need for comprehensive reconciliation efforts and institutional reforms to address the deep-seated ethnic divisions that persist in Bosnian society. The genocide, where over 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were systematically murdered, left an indelible mark on the national psyche. This trauma, coupled with political instability and economic hardship, creates an environment ripe for exploitation by nationalist elements seeking to stoke tensions.
Analysts point to the rise of divisive rhetoric and the glorification of war criminals as alarming signs. These actions undermine efforts to build trust and foster a shared national identity. The international community has a crucial role to play in supporting Bosnia's reconciliation process and ensuring accountability for past atrocities.
"A society that has gone through a genocide is more prone to it," says Dr. Selma Leydesdorff, a professor of oral history and culture at the University of Amsterdam. "The trauma is passed down through generations, creating a cycle of violence."
The international community must increase its engagement in Bosnia, providing financial and technical assistance to support reconciliation initiatives, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote economic development. Failure to address the underlying causes of conflict could have devastating consequences, not only for Bosnia but for the entire region.
Moving forward, Bosnia must prioritize truth and justice, ensuring that victims are properly commemorated and that perpetrators are held accountable. Only through a comprehensive and sustained effort to address the legacy of the genocide can Bosnia hope to break the cycle of violence and build a more peaceful and prosperous future.
Source: Society | Original article