Dodik’s Coup Attempt Fails: Darko Ćulum Returns to Lead SIPA, Crushing Milorad Dodik’s Plans
A political drama is unfolding in Bosnia and Herzegovina! Milorad Dodik, the leader of the Bosnian Serbs, tried to dismantle the state from within, but his plan has spectacularly failed. Darko Ćulum, his close associate and trusted cadre, who resigned as director of the state agency SIPA in March, has decided to return to his position. Yes, you read that right – he’s back to crush Dodik’s schemes!
What is SIPA and why does it matter?
SIPA is the top police agency in BiH, modeled after the American FBI. Its mission is to fight terrorism, high-level corruption, and organized crime. Dodik wanted to weaken this institution because he was sentenced by the BiH court to one year in prison and six years of political ban for not implementing the High Representative’s decisions.
Dodik’s Coup Attempt
After the Republika Srpska parliament passed a series of laws aimed at disabling the work of state judicial and police bodies in RS territory, Dodik called on all Serbs employed in state institutions to resign and join RS institutions. Only six employees responded, including Ćulum, who accepted a position as advisor to the RS Ministry of Interior.
However, SIPA was left practically leaderless – the deputy director position has been vacant since Zoran Galić fled to Croatia to avoid arrest on corruption charges. The BiH Investigation Council never confirmed Ćulum’s resignation nor appointed Galić’s successor.
Constitutional Court Overturns Dodik’s Laws
The BiH Constitutional Court declared all controversial RS parliamentary laws unconstitutional, nullifying Dodik’s attempts to weaken state institutions. Under pressure, Dodik decided to recognize the authority of the BiH Prosecutor’s Office and Court and appeared for questioning in an investigation against him for attacking the constitutional order.
What’s Next?
The BiH court is expected to issue a final verdict against Dodik by the end of July. If convicted and sentenced to more than six months in prison, his mandate as RS president will automatically end. Will Dodik escape justice or finally be held accountable?
Conclusion
This saga shows how complex the political situation in BiH is and how state institutions are under pressure. Dodik’s attempt to dismantle the state from within failed thanks to the courage and determination of individuals like Darko Ćulum and judicial institutions that opposed unconstitutional laws.
Got thoughts on this political thriller? Think Dodik still has some tricks up his sleeve? Drop a comment and join the conversation. It’s not every day we get to witness such drama in our backyard!
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