Bosnia's State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) has confirmed it continues to function at full capacity despite operating without appointed leadership, following an extended board meeting that brought together department heads and the director's advisors. The meeting established clear interim leadership protocols to ensure uninterrupted operations.

With investigations now being led by Assistant Director Suad Hasanovic and administrative documents authorized by Assistant Director Ernad Music – supported by advisors Novak Mijovic and Vahidin Sahinpasic as alternates – the agency emphasized its legal authority to function under existing regulations without requiring additional approvals.

The agency's statement invoked Article 21 of its founding law, formally requesting cooperation from all security institutions across Bosnia, including entity and cantonal police forces. This comes amid growing institutional tensions following Republika Srpska's controversial ban on state agencies operating within its territory.

SIPA Director Darko Culum confirms resignation

SIPA revealed the latest personnel developments, reporting that six staff members have submitted resignation requests since March 27 without stating reasons. The departing employees include two clerks from regional offices in Mostar and Tuzla, one civil servant, and three police officers from Banja Luka. While no official explanations were provided, the agency suspects these resignations relate to job offers from Republika Srpska's (RS) Interior Ministry.

The RS government has been actively encouraging SIPA, court, and prosecutor's office employees residing in the RS territory to transfer to entity institutions. In response to these pressures, SIPA issued a firm warning: “We will not allow the endangerment of our personnel,” while committing to maintain professional operations.

This leadership vacuum and staff departures highlight the ongoing political tensions between state and RS authorities, with SIPA caught in the middle of Bosnia's broader institutional crisis. The agency's ability to maintain operations despite these challenges demonstrates its established protocols, though the long-term sustainability of this arrangement remains uncertain as political disputes continue.