SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina 

Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik on Friday voiced strong support for Serbia and its government ahead of major anti-government protests set to take place in Belgrade on Saturday.

“Saturday was supposed to be a historic day for us from Republika Srpska. The National Assembly of Serbia was set to discuss the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Republika Srpska for the first time since the signing of the Dayton Agreement, of which Serbia is a guarantor. Our enemies prevented it,” said Dodik.

Bosnia's prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for Dodik and two other officials, accusing them of anti-constitutional conduct.

He accused those opposed to Serbian unity of obstructing the assembly session, adding: “Whenever unity was most needed by the Serbian people, there were always those who tried to undermine it. Instead of demonstrating harmony, on Saturday, we will witness protests that deepen divisions.”

Dodik described the upcoming protests as a critical moment for both Serbian citizens and the state. “The attack on the state must stop. Saturday will reveal who truly stands to protect Serbia and its people and who serves foreign interests, putting the country’s fate in the hands of external forces,” he warned.  

Protests and rising tensions in Serbia

Serbia is bracing for one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in recent history. The protests, initially sparked by public outrage over a tragic infrastructure collapse in Novi Sad last November, have evolved into a broader movement demanding transparency, accountability, and an end to corruption. Protesters, including students, educators, and farmers, accuse the government of neglect and mismanagement.

🚨 Students from across Serbia are arriving in the capital, Belgrade, by foot and bike to participate in a massive protest against President Aleksandar Vucic

➡️ The protests, led by university students, began in Nov. after a concrete roof collapsed at the Novi Sad train station,… pic.twitter.com/9Dwqar0w7S

— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) March 14, 2025

With tensions escalating, Serbian authorities have expressed concerns over possible unrest, while opposition groups insist on peaceful demonstrations.

Meanwhile, the government has suspended nationwide railway services, citing alleged security threats, a move critics claim is intended to limit participation.

Dodik, an ally of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, framed the protests as an attempt to destabilize the country.

“Color revolutions always aim to create disorder, and the violence always ends tragically. I believe the Serbian people will not allow themselves to be led into such a scenario,” he said.

He also accused foreign-backed media and financial influences of fueling the unrest.

“This is an attack on Serbia designed to topple the democratically elected government through street protests, pushing the country into long-term instability and making it an easy target for its adversaries,” Dodik claimed.