AARC after the incident in North Macedonia: Albanians rejected the division of the country along ethnic lines, this principle must be preserved

AARC after the incident in North Macedonia: Albanians rejected the division of the country along ethnic lines, this principle must be preserved

The Albanian American Relations Council (AARC), led by activist Martin Vulaj, has reacted strongly after recent incidents of anti-Albanian chants and hateful and divisive messages at sports matches in North Macedonia. According to the AARC, the incident in the RMV warns that this spiral of hatred risks destabilizing North Macedonia.

AARC, in response, writes that the principle of a multi-ethnic North Macedonia must be preserved. 

“During the conflict, Albanians rejected the offer to divide Macedonia along ethnic lines, choosing instead a shared European future. This same principle must continue to guide the nation forward,” the reaction said. 

Full reaction:

In recent weeks, there has been a worrying increase in incidents at sporting events in North Macedonia that incite ethnic hatred and division. At a basketball match between Romania and North Macedonia in Kumanovo, fans chanted horrific slogans calling for the death of Albanians and their disappearance in gas chambers. In response, some Albanian fans at a football match in Tetovo displayed banners calling for secession.

This dangerous spiral must be stopped immediately. Political leaders from all communities must act decisively to condemn and prevent such displays of hatred before they further destabilize the country.

The anti-Albanian chants painfully reinforced the long-standing perception among Albanians that they are treated as second-class citizens and foreigners in their own homeland. On the other hand, the messages of secession instilled fear among Slavic Macedonians about Albanian intentions and the future unity of the state.

Since the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement in 2001, North Macedonia has made significant progress towards integration and ethnic coexistence. Although challenges remain, Albanians have moved from the margins to active participation in political, economic, and academic institutions. This progress must not be undone.

Although the government’s condemnation of hate speech came late, it was clear. Now, Albanian leaders must also unequivocally condemn any rhetoric that undermines the country’s territorial integrity.

During the conflict, Albanians rejected the offer to divide Macedonia along ethnic lines, choosing instead a shared European future. This same principle must continue to guide the nation forward. All parties must work together to eliminate ethnically based rhetoric and prevent a return to the dark chapters of the past. Only through unity, respect, and leadership can North Macedonia remain on the path to lasting peace and European integration.