Dodik: Republika Srpska will not accept any migrant relocation agreements

“For us, this is unacceptable. It became clear when the UK Foreign Secretary visited Sarajevo that the main issue on the table was migration, not support for Bosnia or democratic processes. That was all secondary. He came to gauge the atmosphere,” Dodik told reporters in Banja Luka.

He emphasised that while migrants might be accepted in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, they will not be allowed to settle in Republika Srpska.

“If they want to settle them in the Federation, let them. But in Republika Srpska, that won’t happen,” he said.

Dodik recalled that during the 2015–2016 migration crisis, Republika Srpska allowed migrants to pass through its territory quickly but refused to permit their stay.

“We said back then that they’re not welcome here, and that hasn’t changed. We won’t alter our stance, even if we now hear the British Prime Minister, through his representative, suggesting that Bosnia should take in their delinquent migrants,” Dodik stated.

Accuses the opposition of complicity

Dodik also accused opposition leaders from Republika Srpska of remaining silent on the issue after allegedly meeting with the British Foreign Secretary.

“He spoke with opposition leaders from SDS and PDP and made it clear that migration policy will be a key priority for the UK in the coming years. He told them they see Bosnia as a partner. Our opposition failed to respond, and that implies accepting obligations on behalf of Republika Srpska,” he said.

According to Dodik, the British Prime Minister’s later statement that “Bosnia is on board” was based on these reports.

“Well, we’re not on board, and I’m telling him that Republika Srpska will not allow it,” he said.

Dodik concluded by suggesting that the UK will continue supporting the opposition in Republika Srpska, accusing them of silence on key national issues.

“Fortunately, they don’t get to decide anything. And they won’t,” Dodik concluded.