NATO’s Peacekeeping Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Implementation of the Dayton Agreement

Background

The Bosnian War, which raged from 1992 to 1995, was a brutal conflict that erupted following the disintegration of Yugoslavia. It involved ethnic tensions among Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs, leading to widespread atrocities, including ethnic cleansing and genocide, most notably the Srebrenica massacre. The international community was deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis and the destabilization of the Balkans.

The Dayton Agreement

The Dayton Peace Agreement, formally known as the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was negotiated in November 1995 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. The agreement was signed by the presidents of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia, effectively ending the Bosnian War. It outlined the constitutional framework for Bosnia and Herzegovina and established two entities within the country: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska.

NATO’s Role

On December 20, 1995, NATO began its peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, known as the Implementation Force (IFOR). This mission was a direct result of the Dayton Agreement, which called for international military forces to oversee the implementation of the peace accords.

Objectives of IFOR

• Ensure Compliance: IFOR’s primary objective was to ensure compliance with the military aspects of the Dayton Agreement, including the separation of warring factions and the withdrawal of heavy weapons.
• Maintain Security: The force was tasked with maintaining a secure environment to facilitate the return of refugees and displaced persons.
• Support Civil Implementation: While primarily a military operation, IFOR also supported civilian efforts to rebuild the war-torn country.

Composition and Deployment

• Troop Strength: IFOR consisted of approximately 60,000 troops from NATO member countries and non-member states.
• Command Structure: The mission was led by NATO’s Allied Command Europe, with headquarters in Sarajevo.

Aftermath and Significance

• Transition to SFOR: In December 1996, IFOR transitioned to a smaller, stabilization force known as SFOR (Stabilization Force), which continued to maintain peace and stability in the region.
• Long-term Impact: NATO’s intervention was crucial in stabilizing Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing for reconstruction and the establishment of democratic institutions.
• Legacy: The mission marked a significant moment in NATO’s history, showcasing its ability to conduct complex peacekeeping operations beyond its traditional Euro-Atlantic area.

NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina was a pivotal step in the post-Cold War era, demonstrating the alliance’s adaptability and commitment to international peace and security. The successful implementation of the Dayton Agreement laid the groundwork for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ongoing recovery and integration into European structures.