Valentin Inzko, the High Representative to BiH made a farewell address before leaving the post after 12 years in office.

Inzko was supposed to be the last High Representative in BiH, meaning the country was supposed to continue its existence without the international overwatch.

The institution of the High Representative was set in place by the international community following the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement that ended the 1992-1995 war in BiH, to observe the civilian implementation of the Agreement.

The High Representative has a set of powers, called the ‘Bonn powers’ which enable him to sanction politicians and impose laws.

One of the latest things to be imposed on July 23, 2021, after years of being dormant, were amendments to BiH’s Criminal Code, banning the denial of genocide and glorification of all war crimes and war criminals in the country.

Inzko will be succeeded by German diplomat Christian Schmidt on August 1.