Are the announcements about the formation of the gendarmerie in Kosovo part of the election campaign?
Kosovo officials have announced the formation of a gendarmerie unit if they remain in power in the next term, and according to our sources, this announcement directly serves the election campaign purposes of Albin Kurti and the ruling structure.
TL;DR
- Kosovo's Interior Minister Dželjalj Svečlja signed the establishment of a working group to propose the formation of a Kosovo Gendarmerie.
- Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated the gendarmerie would focus on combating crime and corruption in border areas, fighting terrorism, and acting as a force between police and military.
- The announcement is largely seen as a pre-election campaign tactic by Albin Kurti and the ruling party to enhance their image of sovereignty.
- Concerns exist about the gendarmerie's compliance with international agreements, including the Brussels Agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1244.
- The formation of the gendarmerie could potentially reduce the operational space for KFOR and increase tensions with the Serbian community.
- Experts suggest the move aims to institutionalize security control in northern Kosovo, bypassing limitations on sending Kosovo Security Forces (KBS) to the region without KFOR's consent.
- There is also a perceived intention to create a security unit more loyal to the current ruling structure, especially after incidents where existing special units showed resistance.
- The gendarmerie's role as a hybrid unit between police and military, and its potential activities in border areas, creates legal and political complexities regarding international agreements.