Serbia and Kosovo Clashes: NATO Attacked

08-06-2023

Emily Wolfe 

Europe and Human Rights Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defence

In recent news, the volatile relationship between Serbia and Kosovo has once again come to the forefront, as NATO peacekeepers find themselves at the centre of escalating tensions. The situation has sparked widespread protests and has the potential to reignite long-standing conflicts in the region.

The root of the issue lies in the ongoing dispute between Serbia and its former province of Kosovo. Although Kosovo declared independence in 2008, Serbia has vehemently refused to recognize it as a sovereign nation. This divide has fuelled political, ethnic, and economic complexities, leading to sporadic outbreaks of violence over the years.

The recent unrest stems from a NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, known as KFOR (Kosovo Force). KFOR has been present in the region since 1999, following the NATO intervention to end the Kosovo War. Its primary goal is to maintain stability and provide security for all communities in Kosovo.

However, tensions flared when KFOR recently conducted a joint military exercise with the Kosovo Security Forces (KSF). This move was met with strong opposition from Serbia, who saw it as a provocation and a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, which mandates a multinational presence in Kosovo.

Protests erupted in several Serbian cities, with demonstrators condemning both the joint military exercise and the presence of KFOR peacekeepers. Anger and frustration have spilled onto the streets, as Serbians feel that their national sovereignty is being compromised.

As the situation unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in the Balkans and the need for continued international support and engagement. The hopes for stability and reconciliation in the region hang in the balance, and the international community must remain vigilant in its pursuit of a lasting solution.

Sources and Further Reading:

Agencies. (2023, May 30). Why did ethnic Serbs attack NATO peacekeepers in Kosovo? Here’s what we know. CNN. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/30/europe/serbia-kosovo-nato-peacekeeper-protest-explainer-intl/index.html

Agencies. (2023, May 29). Kosovo clashes: Nato commander criticises 'unacceptable' attacks on troops. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/29/nato-troops-injured-in-clashes-with-serb-protesters-in-kosovo