Skelani is a village situated in the municipality of Bratunac, within the entity of Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It lies on the right bank of the Drina River near the Bosnia–Serbia border, approximately 30 kilometres east of the city of Srebrenica.
Geography
Skelani is located at an elevation of roughly 250 metres above sea level. The settlement is positioned on the banks of the Drina, which serves as a natural boundary between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Serbian district of Zvornik. The surrounding terrain consists of hilly countryside typical of the eastern Bosnian region.
Demographics
According to the 1991 census conducted during the former Yugoslavia, the village had a population of 1,139 inhabitants, the majority of whom identified as Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims), with a minority of Serbs and other ethnic groups. Post‑war population figures are less precisely documented, but estimates suggest a significant reduction in overall residents due to displacement during the 1990s conflict.
Historical Overview
Skelani has historically been a rural community engaged primarily in agriculture, livestock husbandry, and small‑scale trade along the Drina River. The village’s strategic location on a border crossing made it a minor point of transit between the Ottoman territories of the past and later between Yugoslav republics.
Bosnian War (1992–1995)
During the Bosnian War, Skelani became a focal point of military activity owing to its border position. In March 1992, the village was seized by Bosnian Serb forces, leading to the displacement of many Bosniak residents. Throughout 1992–1993, the area witnessed occasional skirmishes, raids, and alleged war crimes, including reports of forced expulsions and destruction of property.
In early 1993, the village was temporarily re‑occupied by Bosniak forces under the command of the Bosnian Muslim army (ARBiH). This occupation was short‑lived; Bosnian Serb units recaptured Skelani in April 1993, after which the village remained under their control until the end of the war in 1995. The conflict caused substantial damage to housing and infrastructure, and many former inhabitants were unable to return after hostilities ceased.
Post‑War Period
Following the Dayton Peace Agreement (1995), Skelani was incorporated into the Republika Srpska entity. Reconstruction efforts, assisted by international and domestic aid programs, have focused on restoring basic services, repairing homes, and rebuilding the local economy. Return of displaced persons has been limited, with many former residents resettling elsewhere.
Cultural and Economic Aspects
The village maintains a modest agricultural profile, with residents cultivating cereals, fruits, and maintaining livestock. Traditional Bosnian rural customs, including folk music and cuisine, persist among the local population. The proximity to the Drina River affords opportunities for fishing and small‑scale tourism, though these activities remain underdeveloped.
References
- Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, “Population Census, 1991” (Bosnia and Herzegovina data).
- Office of the High Representative, “Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Dayton Accords”, 1995.
- International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) documentation on war‑related incidents in the Bratunac municipality.
Note: Demographic and post‑war population figures are based on available census data and humanitarian reports; precise current statistics may vary.