Overview

• Bosnia's state police (SIPA) attempted to arrest Milorad Dodik in East Sarajevo on April 23 but were blocked by Republika Srpska's armed police forces.
• Dodik, sentenced to prison in February for defying constitutional rulings, continues to defy arrest warrants issued by Bosnian courts in March.
• The separatist leader remains under protection in Republika Srpska, where he claims state authorities have no jurisdiction.
• International efforts to hold Dodik accountable face challenges, with Interpol declining to issue a red notice and sanctions imposed by the U.S., U.K., Germany, and Austria.
• The standoff highlights enduring ethnic and political divisions in Bosnia and raises concerns about regional stability under the Dayton Peace Agreement.