During his visit to the United States, Milorad Dodik, former President of the Republika Srpska entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, once again expressed controversial political views about his country.
He asked the U.S. administration for support in defending what he called the “freedom” of his people, using the opportunity to make harsh accusations against Muslims (referring to Bosniaks).
At the end of the interview, jokingly, he asked a reporter to help him gain access to the White House. This aligns with his long-term strategy of political lobbying and promoting his goals to the American public.
Dodik explained that his trip to the U.S. was primarily for the Prayer Breakfast and meetings with American congressmen, but he also used the interview to further promote his political agenda.
“Trump is the Hope of Humanity”
Speaking about Trump, Dodik offered unreserved political support, calling him “the hope of humanity, not just for the U.S. but for the world.”
He added that his people wish to achieve political goals related to their freedom, praising Trump while criticizing previous administrations: “After years of difficult experiences under Biden’s and Obama’s administrations, my people, who respect America and admire President Trump, are happy he is in office.”
Dodik stressed that he had no relations with prior administrations, claiming that sanctions and other pressures at the time were attempts to undermine the freedom of Serbs and transfer rights to the Muslim community in Bosnia and Herzegovina to influence decision-making processes.
“We still believed in Trump’s return and in the fairness of this great country, which shapes global processes,” he said.
When asked about the atmosphere in Republika Srpska after Trump won the elections, Dodik recalled thousands of people gathering outside his office, calling it a spontaneous celebration and a sign of a new era.
Sanctions and Personal Impact
The reporter also asked about sanctions imposed by the Biden administration, which Dodik confirmed, noting that his family members were affected.
“Even my daughter, a mother of four, faced restrictions. Her restaurant was deemed a threat to U.S. national interests… all accounts were frozen. We became second-class citizens. They acted mercilessly,” he said, adding that he hopes Trump’s policies will correct these injustices.
Dodik has previously stated, in 2004, that he was “proud” to be sanctioned by the U.S.
Islamophobia and Revisionism
In the interview, Dodik reiterated his support for Republika Srpska’s independence, framing it as a “fair” solution. He claimed that Serbs are portrayed as a minority in a predominantly Muslim environment and accused Muslims of being collaborators with Iran, enemies of Israel and Jews, and of having sided with Hitler during World War II.
He even claimed that Muslims organized concentration camps for children, in which 45,000 died.
He explained that independence would allow Serbs to maintain their own community and manage their affairs without what he described as imposed centralization from Europe via the Muslim majority.
Dodik emphasized the need to protect property and churches, claiming these were being appropriated in Muslim-majority areas.
Appeal to Trump
Dodik directly addressed Trump, wishing him health, success, and asking him to consider a map of Republika Srpska.
He joked about wanting the reporter’s help to visit the White House and expressed a desire for Trump to “make Republika Srpska great” and leave a lasting mark on the history of his people.
Lobbying and Political Context
Dodik’s appearance in the U.S. media coincides with intensified lobbying efforts by Republika Srpska. In recent years, authorities of Republika Srpska have engaged multiple lobbying firms and political contacts, particularly in Republican circles, aiming to influence U.S. policy towards Bosnia and Herzegovina.
His messages often echo themes prominent in American political debates, including protecting Christian communities and shaping geopolitical narratives regarding Iran and the Middle East, N1 writes.
