In the early 1990s, the breakup of Yugoslavia led to a series of violent conflicts across the Balkans. Bosnia and Herzegovina, home to diverse ethnic and religious communities, became the center of one of the most devastating wars in Europe since World War II. The conflict was marked by sieges, mass displacement, and immense human suffering.
In November 1995, peace negotiations were brought to Dayton, Ohio. Over three weeks at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia, with U.S. and international mediators, reached an agreement to end the war. On December 14, 1995, the Dayton Peace Accords were formally signed in Paris, bringing an end to the Bosnian War.
Thirty years later, Dayton remains a symbol of peace and diplomacy. While challenges continue, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region have experienced decades of peace, growth, and cooperation. This anniversary offers a chance to reflect on the progress made and the enduring importance of dialogue in building a more peaceful future.