Canadian Firm Lobbied for Republika Srpska Independence Across the Globe

Foreign consulting firms worked for years to promote the independence of Republika Srpska. Official documents from the United States Department of Justice reveal these efforts. The Government of Republika Srpska hired the Canadian lobbying company Dickens and Madson to represent its interests abroad.

The contract included public relations and direct advocacy. The firm approached institutions in the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the European Union. Semiannual reports filed under the Foreign Agents Registration Act claim that Israel and Saudi Arabia showed an interest in the independence of Republika Srpska. The firm stated that both governments advocated for the entity before United States officials.

The company signed a major contract in September 2025. This agreement aimed to secure foreign political backing for the entity and its leader, Milorad Dodik. The contract was signed after election authorities removed Dodik from office following a court conviction. Under the deal, the lobbyists promised to work toward full independence from Bosnia and Herzegovina. They also planned to lobby for the removal of High Representative Christian Schmidt and arrange meetings with foreign leaders.

Financial records show that Republika Srpska spent large sums of taxpayer money on these campaigns. Between 2022 and 2026, the entity spent more than 5.4 million dollars on lobbying efforts. These funds paid for political outreach, expensive travel, and apartments in Banja Luka.