Serbian delegation arrives in Banja Luka to mark unconstitutional January 9

The delegation was welcomed by RS Deputy Prime Minister Alen Seranic. Following a meeting between RS Prime Minister Savo Minic and Prime Minister Macuta at the RS Government headquarters, a formal academy was held at the "Borik" sports hall in Banja Luka. The Serbian delegation is also scheduled to attend a formal reception at the government headquarters following the ceremony.

The central celebration is set to take place Friday in Banja Luka, featuring a parade including personnel with long-barreled weapons and armored vehicles. Participants in the parade will include members of the RS Ministry of the Interior, infantry and motorized echelons, and the Special Anti-Terrorist Unit (SAJ) with red berets and weaponry. Official motorcycles are expected to open the parade, which will also showcase new vehicles.

The Constitutional Court of BiH previously ruled January 9 unconstitutional due to the discrimination of Bosniaks and Croats, as the date is linked to a patron saint’s day and Orthodox religious rites, violating the principle of the constitutivity of peoples. Furthermore, a 2016 referendum that confirmed the date was also declared illegal. For many in Bosnia, this date symbolizes the beginning of ethnic cleansing and crimes against the non-Serb population.

The Office of the High Representative (OHR) reminded that observing the unconstitutional RS Day represents a clear failure to respect and implement final and binding decisions of the Constitutional Court. For years, January 9 has remained a source of significant political tension as RS authorities continue to ignore the rulings of the country's highest judicial body by organizing these ceremonies annually.