Kosovo’s renewed effort to establish a truth and reconciliation commission to address the events of the 1998-99 war is met with skepticism. Experts warn that the initiative, led by President Vjosa Osmani, may lack the necessary independence and legitimacy to succeed.
Key Takeaways
- Kosovo’s new truth and reconciliation commission aims to address the legacy of the 1998-99 war.
- Experts express concerns over political influence and lack of independence.
- The initiative follows a similar, failed attempt by former President Hashim Thaci.
- Broad political and institutional consensus is deemed essential for success.
Background
The idea of a truth and reconciliation commission in Kosovo was first proposed by former President Hashim Thaci in 2018. Thaci envisioned it as a means to address lingering uncertainties and injustices from the 1998-99 war. However, the initiative stalled after Thaci resigned in 2021 to face war crimes charges in The Hague.
Current Initiative
President Vjosa Osmani has revived the initiative, aligning it with the government’s Transitional Justice Strategy. The strategy calls for the creation of a ‘Presidential Commission for Truth and Reconciliation.’ According to presidential spokesperson Bekim Kupina, the commission aims to address the past’s legacy and foster peace and reconciliation among communities. The initiative is expected to begin within Osmani’s current term, ending in March 2026.
Expert Concerns
Experts argue that the commission’s success hinges on its independence from political influence. Bekim Blakaj, head of the Humanitarian Law Centre Kosovo, emphasized the need for broad political and institutional consensus. Without it, he warned, the commission is unlikely to gain the trust of all communities, particularly the minority Serbs.
Gezim Visoka, a professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, stressed that the commission should operate free of political interference. He warned that a top-down approach could exacerbate intra-ethnic rather than inter-ethnic reconciliation.
Denisa Kostovicova, an Associate Professor of Global Politics, highlighted the importance of legitimacy. She noted that without being independent and unbiased, such mechanisms fail even before they are established.
Risks and Challenges
The initiative faces significant challenges, including skepticism from the Serbian community. Milica Radovanovic, a researcher at the New Social Initiative, criticized the government’s Transitional Justice Strategy for ignoring crimes committed by the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) against both minorities and members of the Albanian community. She argued that the commission might serve more as a propaganda tool than a genuine effort at reconciliation.
International Involvement
Experts also called for international backing to ensure the commission’s success. Gezim Visoka urged the European Union and the United States not to remain silent about truth and justice in the name of stability and geopolitical calculations.
Conclusion
While the revived truth and reconciliation initiative in Kosovo aims to address the legacy of the 1998-99 war, it faces significant hurdles. Experts stress the need for independence, broad consensus, and international support to ensure its success. Without these elements, the initiative risks failing to achieve genuine reconciliation among Kosovo’s diverse communities.
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