Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani made a notable visit to North Mitrovica, accompanied by Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla, Police Director Gazmend Hoxha, and Mayor Erden Atić. Her itinerary included a stop at the regional police station for the North, followed by visits to two establishments, Missini and Heb’s, on the Mitrovica promenade.
This visit, like others by Kosovo officials in recent months, was marked by heightened security and a focus on interaction with the Albanian community. Local media were not informed in advance of Osmani’s arrival.
A Busy Year for North Mitrovica
North Mitrovica has seen a notable increase in visits from high-ranking Kosovo officials and citizens from the south in 2024. Osmani’s visit on the last day of the year underscored the growing attention the area has received. Her visit was met with enthusiasm from a group of ethnic Albanian children who chanted her name as she walked the promenade.
Tight Security Measures
Osmani’s visit began early in the morning at the North Region Police Station. Her convoy was observed entering the premises, and journalists were instructed to maintain their distance. Following a meeting at the station, she headed to the promenade, which has become a popular spot for visitors from the south.
Large groups of pedestrians and patrons frequent the area daily, with a significant police presence ensuring security. Officers, both in civilian attire and heavily armed, maintained vigilance during Osmani’s tour, a practice consistent with the recent uptick in high-profile visits to the area.
Community Interaction and Limited Media Access
Osmani’s stops included the Missini pastry shop, where she handed out New Year’s gifts to children of reportedly Albanian ethnicity. Media access was tightly restricted, and her remarks were exclusively in Albanian. Serbian journalists’ requests for a translation were declined, though Osmani concluded her address with a brief “Happy New Year” in Serbian.
Her visit also included a stop at Heb’s, a nearby establishment specializing in chicken products. She concluded her tour by boarding her convoy near the iconic Ibar Bridge, a symbolic and often contentious site in the city.
A First for Osmani in the City Center
This marked Osmani’s first public visit to the heart of North Mitrovica, a region with a majority Serbian population. Previous visits had been limited to outlying areas predominantly inhabited by Albanians.
Political Context and Upcoming Elections
Osmani’s visit comes as Kosovo prepares for parliamentary elections on February 9. Her political group, GUXO, a coalition partner of Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje movement, has intensified its activities, particularly in North Mitrovica.
Kurti, who aims for a third term, has expressed confidence in securing half a million votes, with a special focus on the diaspora and communities in the North.
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