Bridges on the Ibar in North Mitrovica: Connection or Provocation?
North Mitrovica, a city known for deep divisions, is once again in the spotlight due to plans to build two new bridges over the Ibar River. But do these bridges really connect people or just deepen the divide? The citizens of North Mitrovica are loud and clear – these bridges are not bridges of reconciliation, but bridges of separation.
Citizens Against the Bridges The majority of North Mitrovica residents express dissatisfaction with the plans to build two new bridges. They argue that the bridges will not contribute to connecting communities but will only further separate people. “The bridges will not serve to unite, but will be seen as a provocation, not a gesture of integration,” the citizens say.
One resident says, “We already have one bridge that serves only pedestrians, and that is enough. Two new bridges will change nothing. On the contrary, it will be another provocation.” Another adds that it used to be different when everyone spoke the same language and could communicate, but now the situation is completely different.
Political Games and Costs The acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, recently laid the foundation stone for these bridges, claiming they will serve all citizens. However, many see this initiative as yet another pre-election trick and provocation.
The project cost is estimated at nearly three million euros, and the contract was awarded through a negotiated procedure without prior public announcements, raising further suspicions about transparency and motives behind the project.
International Community Reactions The German Ambassador to Kosovo, Jorn Rode, stated that he supports the European Union’s position, which called on Kosovo authorities to refrain from building new bridges over the Ibar. The EU also emphasized that testing the main bridge in Mitrovica does not mean a change in its current status and called for avoiding unilateral actions.
Why Does This Matter? Bridges are symbols of connection and unity. But in North Mitrovica, where ethnic tensions remain high, these bridges could become symbols of division and conflict. Instead of building bridges of understanding, authorities and politicians might be building bridges of discord.
Conclusion While authorities claim the bridges serve everyone, the citizens of North Mitrovica clearly state they do not need the bridges and that they will only deepen divisions. With a cost of three million euros and lack of transparency, this project raises more questions than answers.
If you think bridges should connect, not divide, or have your own take on this topic, drop a comment below. Who knows, maybe your word could be the bridge of understanding in this city full of tension.
