Dayton Framework Agreement

The Dayton Framework Agreement, also known as the Dayton Accords, is a peace agreement signed on November 21, 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, USA. This agreement ended the Bosnian War, which had begun in 1992 and led to the deaths of over 100,000 people.

The Dayton Framework Agreement was negotiated by representatives from the three main ethnic groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina: the Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs. The agreement established a federal state consisting of two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is mainly Bosniak and Croat, and the Republika Srpska, which is mainly Serb. The agreement also provided for the establishment of a central government and a rotating presidency to ensure that power is shared equally among the three ethnic groups.

The Dayton Framework Agreement was a significant step towards peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, it was also criticized for its flaws and shortcomings. One of the main criticisms is that it did not address the issue of war crimes committed during the Bosnian War. Another criticism is that the agreement reinforced ethnic divisions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, leading to a lack of trust and cooperation among the different communities.

Despite its flaws, the Dayton Framework Agreement remains a crucial document in the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It ended a devastating war and laid the foundation for a peaceful, federal state. Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina remains a complex and divided country, but the Dayton Framework Agreement remains an important symbol of hope for a better future.

In conclusion, the Dayton Framework Agreement is a peace agreement that ended the Bosnian War and established a federal state in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While it has been criticized for its flaws, it remains a crucial document in the history of the country and a symbol of hope for a better future.