The Dayton Agreement: Ending the Bosnian War

On December 14, 1995, the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, commonly known as the Dayton Agreement, was signed in Paris, France. This pivotal accord was instrumental in formally ending the Bosnian War, a brutal conflict that had erupted following the disintegration of Yugoslavia.

Context Leading up to the Agreement

The Bosnian War, which raged from 1992 to 1995, was marked by intense ethnic and territorial conflict among Bosnia and Herzegovina’s three main ethnic groups: Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs. It resulted in severe human suffering, massive displacement, and numerous atrocities, making an urgent resolution necessary to secure peace in the Balkans.

Key Events

The Dayton Peace Conference was held from November 1 to November 21, 1995, at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, United States. The negotiation process involved major international actors and the leaders of Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia:

• Alija Izetbegović, President of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Franjo Tuđman, President of Croatia
• Slobodan Milošević, representing the Bosnian Serb interests as the President of Serbia

Under the mediation efforts led by U.S. diplomat Richard Holbrooke and the participation of the European Union and United Nations representatives, the parties reached an agreement.

Provisions of the Dayton Agreement

The signing of the Dayton Agreement established the framework for a new political structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina:

• Political Division: The creation of two entities within Bosnia and Herzegovina: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, primarily Bosniak-Croat, and the Republika Srpska, mainly Serb.
• Constitutional Framework: The agreement included a constitution for Bosnia and Herzegovina that detailed the governance structure, promoting democratic processes and human rights protections.
• International Presence: Installation of a NATO-led Implementation Force (IFOR) to oversee military aspects of compliance. Later, this was succeeded by a Stabilization Force (SFOR).
• Refugee Return: Ensured the right of return for refugees and internally displaced persons, promising safe and unhindered return to their homes.

Aftermath and Significance

The Dayton Agreement effectively halted hostilities and provided a framework for peace and stability in the region. Although it successfully ended the conflict, it laid the groundwork for a complex political landscape characterized by a delicate balance of power among the ethnic groups.

While the immediate outcome was cessation of hostilities, the implemented political structure has often been critiqued for perpetuating ethnic divisions, making governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina challenging. Nevertheless, the accord remains a significant example of international diplomacy’s role in resolving conflicts and fostering negotiations for peace.