US lawmakers introduce bipartisan sanctions bill to defend Dayton Peace Agreement

The legislation, introduced by Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), alongside Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH), Congressman Wesley Bell (D-MO), and Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), seeks to impose targeted sanctions on individuals undermining the Dayton Peace Agreement, the accord that brought an end to the brutal 1990s war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The largest Bosnian community outside of Bosnia is centered here in the St. Louis area, and for years I have worked closely with them to advance our shared goal of a unified and peaceful Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Rep. Wagner. “We condemn Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik’s flagrant disregard for the law, and it is critical we put a stop to his destabilizing actions in the region that have gotten worse by the week.”

She added, “My Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act will sanction criminals like Dodik and others like him who seek to tear apart the institutions that safeguard Bosnia’s fragile peace. The new Axis of Evil: China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, is cheering on bad actors like Dodik, and it is critical to global stability we stop this evil in its tracks to send a message that the world will not stand for corrupt secessionists like him gaining another foothold.”

Congressman Mike Turner emphasised the historic importance of the Dayton Accords, stating: “The Dayton Peace Accords ended one of the bloodiest conflicts in Europe’s history and laid the foundation for lasting peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, we are reminded of our constant commitment to the fragile security situation established and our duty to make it a lasting and stable peace. The United States will continue to stand with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to protect their sovereignty, support democratic institutions, and ensure that the hard-won peace of Dayton is never undone.”

Rep. Wesley Bell echoed the urgency of the bill: “Peace doesn’t keep itself. When bad actors try to undermine democracy and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the U.S. has to act. This bill is about holding those individuals accountable and standing firm behind the Dayton Peace Agreement. We can’t afford to look the other way while corruption and division threaten hard-won peace.”

Rep. Jake Auchincloss underscored the bipartisan commitment to stability in the Balkans: “Support for the Dayton Peace Agreement is strong and bipartisan in Congress. Bad actors like Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik must not shred the institutional sinews of a peaceful and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina. America must not retreat from our work in the Balkans, or else Russia will fill the void.”

The bill is expected to garner further support as concerns grow over regional stability and renewed international pressure to preserve the post-war framework that has kept Bosnia and Herzegovina unified and at peace.