Kosovo: From Conflict to Resilience — A Nation's Struggle for Independence
Kosovo’s journey from war-torn struggle to aspiring sovereignty captures the resilience and determination of its people, documented through pivotal moments from 2006 to 2024.
For over two decades, Kosovo has been a focal point of intense political struggle and human resilience. From the dissolution of Yugoslavia in the 1990s to its declaration of independence in 2008, Kosovo's journey has been fraught with challenges and marked by the indomitable spirit of its people. As a photojournalist, I have had the privilege of documenting this journey, capturing moments that reflect the complexities and aspirations of a nation in transition.
People waving the Albanian national flag gather outside the government building in Pristina to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Kosovo Liberation Army and its Legendary Commander, Adem Jashari. A parade was organised by the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) with the presence of Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, President Fatmir Sejdiu, Assembly Speaker Jakup Krasniqi, and other representatives. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
In the early years following the Kosovo War, the Kosovo Protection Corps (KPC) emerged as a civilian emergency services organisation, active from 1999 to 2009. The KPC, born out of the ashes of conflict, symbolised a new beginning for Kosovo. During celebrations for Flag Day on November 28th, the KPC took to the streets in a military-style parade, embodying the hope for a fully independent Kosovo, free from Serbian influence.
Pristina, Kosovo, Saturday evening, Feb. 16, 2008 - A cultural and artistic Kosovo Albanian association performs traditional Albanian music in the streets of Pristina for people already celebrating. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
Icons of Resistance
One of the most iconic figures in Kosovo's struggle for independence was Adem Demaçi. Often referred to as the "Balkans' Mandela," Demaçi spent 28 years in various Yugoslavian prisons for his unwavering advocacy of Kosovo Albanian rights. His release saw him take on the leadership of the Council for the Defense of Human Rights and Freedoms, and in 1991, he was awarded the Sakharov Prize by the European Parliament. Demaçi's legacy lives on, a testament to the power of peaceful resistance and the fight for human rights.
Adem Demaçi, a symbol of the national independence struggle, spent 28 years in various Yugoslavian prisons for advocating Kosovo Albanian rights. Born in August 1935 in Pristina, only three of seven siblings survived due to tough living conditions and lack of healthcare. His birth was registered six months later on Feb. 26, 1936. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
The Ongoing Struggle
Despite the end of the war in 1999, Kosovo's journey towards stability has been anything but smooth. Ethnic tensions, particularly in the divided city of Mitrovica, have persisted. Thuggish Serbian “bridge watchers” still maintain their vigil on the north side of the Ibar River, ready to punish any ethnic Albanian who dares to cross. This tension was starkly evident in the protests organised by the Serbian group Tsar Lazar's Guard against Kosovo's independence in 2007.
Just north of the bridge over the Ibar River that splits the ethnically divided city of Mitrovica in northern Kosovo, locals mill around outdoor cafes, enjoying coffee in the warm morning sun. These pictures were taken following the warning of the Serbian organisation, Tsar Lazar's Guard, to hold a protest on Oct. 14, 2007, against Kosovo's independence. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
Kosovo's political landscape has seen significant figures like Ramush Haradinaj and Albin Kurti rise to prominence. Haradinaj, a former guerrilla fighter, has played a crucial role in Kosovo's quest for international recognition. Kurti, the leader of the Self-determination movement (VETEVENDOSJE), has been a vocal critic of both Serbian influence and the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). His protests, particularly against the holding of Serbian elections in Kosovo, have highlighted the ongoing struggle for genuine autonomy.
osovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi is seen at an event related to regional and local politics in Gjilan, Kosovo, on Nov. 7, 2008. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
The Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK) has criticised the Foreign Ministry for its lack of lobbying for Kosovo's independence recognition. Party leader Ramush Haradinaj, seen here, highlighted letters from three U.S. congressmen to Latin American states advocating for Kosovo's recognition on Aug. 22, 2009. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
Kosovo's President Behgjet Pacolli talks on the phone ahead of an interview in his office on Dec. 3, 2007, four years before he took office as President. His presidency was toppled by Kosovo's top court, which ruled that Pacolli's election violated the constitution. He stepped down immediately following the court's decision. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
The Kosovo Protection Corps (TMK) takes part in a military-style parade during Flag Day celebrations, the province's biggest holiday, in Pristina on Nov. 28, 2007. Ethnic Albanians celebrate Flag Day with a raucous rally that marks the province's dreams of independence. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
Leader of the Self-determination movement, Albin Kurti, is seen at the forefront of "Vetëvendosje" supporters during a protest against the holding of Serbian elections in Kosovo. "Vetëvendosje" directly accused UNMIK and the Government of Kosovo of allowing the establishment of parallel Serbian structures in Kosovo during a protest on May 9, 2008. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
The Path to Independence
Kosovo's declaration of independence on February 17, 2008, was a historic moment. Recognised by over 100 countries, including the U.S. and major European powers, this declaration marked the culmination of years of struggle. However, Serbia, along with Russia, China, and a few EU member states, continues to oppose Kosovo's sovereignty. The political leaders of the time, including President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, navigated a complex international landscape to secure Kosovo's place on the world stage.
Feb. 17, 2008 - Pristina, Kosovo - Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi drinks water before reading the Declaration of Independence in the Kosovo Parliament Assembly-Room. Kosovo is now declared a democratic republic. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
In the centre of Northern Mitrovica on "Ullica SHUMADIJE," a young local Serb reads the Serbian daily newspaper "Press." The newspaper reacts to Kosovo's "Daily Express," delivering a different message to U.S. President George W. Bush, who supports and recognises Kosovo's declaration of independence, Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, and Javier Solana, head of foreign affairs for the European Union. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
Ethnic Albanian gunmen from both sides of the border in the Mjak village of Debelldeh, southern Kosovo, show off their armed force as they prepare to remove new border markings in a joint effort on April 24, 2008. (Film 35mm photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
Social and Economic Realities
Kosovo's path to stability has been marked by social and economic challenges. Agricultural holdings are predominantly small and semi-subsistent, reflecting the broader economic struggles of the region. The US Military personnel serving under the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) have played a significant role in maintaining peace, as seen in their joint commemorative events to honour the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks.
U.S. military personnel serving under the Kosovo Force, a NATO-led international peacekeeping force in Kosovo, are seen patrolling a night security roadblock at the Llabjan intersection highway towards Pristina on Feb. 27, 2008. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
The Pursuit of Justice and Remembrance
The pursuit of justice for war crimes remains a critical issue. Thousands of families still seek answers about their missing loved ones, a poignant reminder of the war's enduring impact. Activists and organisations continue to pressure both Serbian and Kosovar authorities for accountability. The protests against the European Union's visa regime and the investigation into embezzlement of public funds reflect the ongoing fight for transparency and justice.
Men, women, and children supported by the Youth Initiative for Human Rights and the activist network "My Initiative" protest on Aug. 30, 2009, asking the Government and Assembly of Kosovo to reveal their plans for finding the missing people of the war. 1,887 white sheets with question marks were posted around the Assembly building railings to symbolise the number of those missing since the war ended in 1999 in Kosovo. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
Cultural and Political Evolution
Kosovo's cultural landscape has also evolved. The Prishtina International Film Festival, established in 2009, has become a significant cultural event, showcasing the region's artistic talent. Politically, figures like Albin Kurti have continued to challenge the status quo, protesting against privatisation and alleged government corruption.
Legendary English actress and Oscar and Golden Globe winner Vanessa Redgrave (right) speaks with Albanian legendary singer Nexhmije Pagarusha (left) before leaving Kosovo on Sept. 24, 2009. Redgrave expressed her pleasure at being the chairwoman of the board of PRIFILMFEST International Film Festival, held in Pristina from Sept. 22 to 30, 2009. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
The Future
As Kosovo navigates its future, the recent tensions with Serbia underscore the fragile peace in the region. The international community remains engaged, with efforts to mediate and support Kosovo's development. The resilience and determination of the Kosovar people, documented through years of conflict and reconstruction, offer hope for a brighter and more stable future.
President Dr. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu of the Republic of Kosovo addresses a conference alongside U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeff Hovenier (not pictured), in Pristina, Kosovo, on Sept. 15, 2023. Their joint efforts continue after an agreement signing event, pledging $34.7 million to foster Kosovo's democratic and economic growth. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
Albin Kurti, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, addresses the media in Pristina, Kosovo, on Sept. 18, 2023. During his press conference, Prime Minister Kurti raised concerns about a possible alignment between the EU's envoy, Miroslav Lajcak, and Serbia, suggesting a potential bias in the ongoing negotiations. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
Kosovo's Fast Reaction Police Unit conducts a security check on a civilian vehicle at a checkpoint near Banjska village in Mitrovica, Kosovo, on Sept. 25, 2023. Kosovo is in mourning, paying tribute to the late police Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku, who was tragically killed by an armed group. Prime Minister Kurti claims this group has backing from Belgrade. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
Kosovo authorities have unveiled a cache of weapons seized from a Serbian armed group suspected of terrorism links in Mitrovica, Kosovo, on Sept. 25, 2023. The exhibit includes firearms, explosives, ammunition, and vehicles impersonating NATO's peacekeeping mission in Kosovo (KFOR). (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
A traffic safety police vehicle drives past a damaged destination sign that says "Banjska" in the village of Banjska, Zvecan, Kosovo, on Oct. 3, 2023. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
The Kosovar Security Force guard of honour holds Croatian and Kosovar state flags as they prepare to start their ceremonial welcome for Croatian Minister of Defence Ivan Anusiq, who is expected to arrive for an official visit in Pristina, Kosovo, on March 27, 2024. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
A polling station in Zvecan, Kosovo, opened on April 21, 2024, for a crucial vote targeting the removal of four ethnic Albanian mayors in Serb-majority areas. This follows a petition-driven dismissal campaign that began in January 2024 after the mayors were elected in 2023 amid low voter turnout. The dominant Serb party is boycotting, with successful removal requiring over 50% voter turnout. As of 3 PM, over 200 citizens have voted in Leposaviq, Zubin Potok, and Northern Mitrovica, but none in Zvecan. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
At Trebjesa local café bar near the Zvecan municipality building in northern Kosovo, a waiter returned change in Serbian Dinar, despite regulations from the Republic of Kosovo's Central Bank mandating the euro as the sole legal tender. This action reflects ongoing debates and criticism against the government in Pristina for allegedly worsening the livelihood of local Serbs by blocking the influx of dinars, which some argue supports malign activities by Serbia in Kosovo. Despite international concerns, Kosovo remains firm on its stance to prevent alleged financing of terror and other criminal activities by Serbia using its currency. Meanwhile, on April 21, 2024, the area participated in crucial elections to decide the removal of four ethnic Albanian mayors, with over 50% turnout required—a goal complicated by a Serb boycott. By 3 PM, more than 200 votes were tallied in Leposaviq, Zubin Potok, and Northern Mitrovica, while Zvecan recorded none. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
A group of children gather to take a photo in front of the statue of former British PM Sir Tony Blair in 'Tony Blair Square' in Kosovo's southern city of Ferizaj on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Sir Blair is so beloved for his role in Kosovo’s liberation that children are named “Tonibler” in his honor. The statue, created by Kosovan sculptor Agon Qosa, is located on Blair Boulevard in Ferizaj. (Photograph by Vudi Xhymshiti for THE PICTURES, via VX Pictures)
