Dayton Peace Accords

The Dayton Peace Accords, signed in 1995, were a peace agreement that ended the Bosnian War, a brutal conflict in the former Yugoslavia. The accords established the political structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina, dividing the country into two main entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska. They created a framework for civilian governance, protected minority rights, and promoted reconciliation among ethnic groups. The agreement was facilitated by the U.S. and NATO, aiming to restore peace and stability after years of violence and ethnic cleansing. It remains the foundation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s current political system.