PRISTINA, Kosovo: Persistent ethnic tensions in north Kosovo are reigniting fears of violence similar to that witnessed last year, as highlighted by US Navy Admiral Stuart B. Munsch, the commander of the Allied Joint Force Command Naples.
This warning comes amid ongoing tensions between the predominantly ethnic Albanian government in Pristina and the approximately 50,000 Serbs in the north who reject its authority, looking instead to Belgrade as their capital.
Admiral Munsch pointed to the “heated political rhetoric” that could incite non-government forces to commit acts of violence, stressing the lack of progress in EU-mediated talks between Kosovo and Serbia. He noted that while an immediate conflict is not inevitable, the risk remains significant. Recent history underscores this concern; in September 2023, a gunbattle in the village of Banjska resulted in the deaths of a police officer and three armed attackers, further heightening tensions. Additionally, violent protests against NATO peacekeepers earlier this year left over 90 soldiers injured.
The US and EU have criticized the Kosovo government for its unilateral actions in the north, warning that such moves could spark ethnic violence and jeopardize the safety of NATO troops deployed in the region. Kosovo, however, dismisses these criticisms, which have strained relations with its Western allies.
The longstanding conflict traces back to Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008, following a decade of ethnic conflict. While Kosovo seeks to normalize relations with Serbia through EU-mediated talks, progress has been slow, as Serbia continues to refuse recognition of Kosovo’s statehood.
This ongoing struggle for recognition and governance has left the region in a precarious situation, with both local and international stakeholders watching closely. The potential for renewed violence remains a pressing concern, necessitating immediate diplomatic efforts to address underlying issues and ensure stability in the region.
