Preparations for this year’s “Nezuk–Potočari” Peace March have been underway for months, with applications from both participants and volunteers continuing to arrive. Organizers are making final preparations along the route and are appealing to all participants to wear suitable footwear due to the demanding terrain.
Twenty-three-year-old Almir Mustafić will take part in the march for the sixth consecutive year, walking the more than 100-kilometre route to Potočari alongside thousands of other participants. In 1995, two of his close relatives were killed on the very same trails.
“I lost my loved ones, and I don’t even remember them. Every time I go there, my emotions are mixed. Every step has a special meaning, and you continue hearing the stories of those who survived,” said Mustafić.
Around 3,000 participants have already registered for this year’s march, including survivors of the Srebrenica genocide.
President of the Association “Survivors of the Genocide on July 11, 1995,” Salih Mulalić, said that the symbolic 11-metre-long flag carried during last year’s march will once again be part of the procession.
“The flag bears the name ‘Srebrenica’ 11 times and features 11 flowers. This year it will again be carried by 11 people who personally survived the breakthrough.”
Organizers are currently working on the most demanding section of the route through Buljim and Buljimski Potoci, ensuring it will be safe for all participants. Medical teams, mountain rescue services, and civil protection units will once again provide support throughout the march.
President of the Peace March Subcommittee, Suljo Čakanović, thanked all institutions involved in the preparations.
“The Federal Civil Protection Administration, mountain rescue services, and many others are working together with the Ministry for Displaced Persons to ensure everything is ready.”
The Red Cross of Tuzla Canton is also finalizing preparations. Secretary Merima Sarajlić said volunteer registrations are progressing well.
“Last year we had around 140 volunteers. This year we already have 110 registered from Tuzla Canton, other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and abroad. As part of the twinning programme between the Red Cross of Tuzla Canton and Norway, four volunteers from Telemark will also join us.”
As in previous years, members of the Women’s Association “Jadar” from Konjević Polje, together with activists from Tuzla and Sarajevo, will provide refreshments and food for participants along the route.
Activist Senad Pirić highlighted the international support for this year’s march.
“This year we are hosting a group of ten visitors from Italy. Our goal is to continue spreading the truth about the genocide while also providing participants with a place to rest and refresh.”
Thousands of participants will walk the historic route from Nezuk to Potočari before attending the July 11 commemoration and burial of newly identified victims of the Srebrenica genocide, whose remains were recovered from mass graves located along parts of the very path they will travel.
