STATEMENT BY
H.E. MS. MICHAELA EDDINIA SWALLOW
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE /
CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES a.i.
Mr. President,
I thank you for convening this debate.
Allow me, at the outset, to extend Sierra Leone’s warm congratulations to Greece on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council for the month of May 2025. I assure you of my delegation’s full support. I also congratulate the delegation of France for its effective stewardship during its presidency in April.
I welcome the participation of Her Excellency Ms. Željka Cvijanović, Chairperson of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the representatives of Croatia and Serbia, as well as the Head of the European Union Delegation to the UN in this meeting.
I thank Mr. Christian Schmidt, High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina for his briefing and take note of his report covering the period from 16 October 2024 to 15 April 2025, as submitted through the Secretary-General.
Sierra Leone acknowledges the vital role of the Office of the High Representative in overseeing the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, nearly 30 years since its signing. We acknowledge the High Representative’s dedication during this reporting period, particularly in navigating an increasingly challenging political environment.
We reaffirm our steadfast support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina within its internationally recognized borders. We therefore reject any actions that seek to undermine the gains achieved under the Dayton Agreement or impede the reform process essential for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path towards European Union accession, a pathway we consider integral to lasting peace, stability, and prosperity for all its people.
We remain deeply concerned by the rising trend of ethnically motivated political dissent and the escalation of divisive rhetoric into actions that threaten to unravel the Dayton framework. Such developments risk undermining the political, economic, and social fabric of Bosnia and Herzegovina, placing its institutions and citizens at risk of renewed instability.
The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina have borne the consequences of ethnic nationalism in the past. It is therefore especially troubling when political leaders and institutions, entrusted with safeguarding peace and stability, are implicated in fuelling divisiveness rather than fostering inclusivity.
Mr. President,
In this context, Sierra Leone wishes to underscore the following three points: First, we emphasize the critical importance of consensus-building within Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political processes, including ensuring the inclusive and constructive participation of all political actors. We commend the efforts of the Troika coalition, which have demonstrated that cross-entity collaboration is not only feasible but beneficial. This spirit of cooperation should be nurtured and expanded, particularly in advancing necessary reforms under the 5+2 Agenda and in support of EU accession negotiations.
We recognize the complexity and diversity of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political landscape. We urge political leaders to prioritize national unity, dialogue, and cooperation, keeping the welfare of the people at the center of their actions. In this regard, we encourage greater engagement with multi-ethnic and institutional platforms, such as the Interreligious Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Parliamentary Assembly, to foster trust, dialogue, and social cohesion.
Second, we caution against conflating individual political agendas and separatist pressures with legitimate national aspirations. We are particularly concerned about recent legislative initiatives in Republika Srpska that risk exacerbating tensions and creating institutional uncertainty. We note the ongoing appeals process and call on all parties to respect judicial outcomes and refrain from actions that could undermine public confidence in the rule of law. We urge national stakeholders to prioritize measures that align with the vision of a united, stable, and forward-looking Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sierra Leone recognizes the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina as the supreme legal framework of the State. We believe that continued adherence to the constitutional order is fundamental to lasting peace, while respecting the integrity and identity of each of its constituent entities. We encourage political actors to work within Bosnia and Herzegovina’s inclusive governance structures at all levels.
Third and finally, we underscore the continued relevance of international engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We appreciate the Security Council’s close attention to developments, as evidenced by its convening of two meetings this year, an affirmation of its commitment to multilateralism at a time of growing global challenges.
We also reaffirm the indispensable role of the international community, particularly the Peace Implementation Council and the European Union, in supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s stability. We encourage these efforts to remain focused on the country’s peace and development, beyond immediate geopolitical considerations.
In closing, Sierra Leone commends the progress achieved in the administration of the Brčko District and conveys its best wishes to the new administration in addressing ongoing challenges. We further recognize the valuable contributions of the Peacebuilding Fund in advancing the Women, Youth, Peace and Security agenda, and commend the work of the International Commission on Missing Persons in bringing closure to affected communities. We also acknowledge the European Union’s steadfast commitment and investments towards Bosnia and Herzegovina’s stabilization, and we call for continued constructive cooperation among all stakeholders in the best interests of its people.
I thank you.
