Busting myths about KSF transition into a defence force

It has been close to three years since Kosovo’s institutions moved forward with the decision to start the process of transition of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) from a disaster relief mandate into a defence force. However, this move by the Kosovo’s leadership driven by massive public support was viewed with scepticism by some of the traditional allies of the country who feared that the decision would lead to instability. So, did the instability occur as a result of this decision? A short answer is - no.

Looking back at the process, it is clear that the consequences some feared of the transition of the KSF into a defence force for Kosovo were exaggerated - to say the least - and it seems the decision was, nothing less or more than a regular technocratic move of the Kosovan institutions. Some, might even argue that actually the process of transition of the KSF mandate has helped societal cohesion in Kosovo and as such strengthened stability of the country. In other words, fearmongering discourse about the KSF transition showed to be ungrounded and the decision proved more benefits than expected to date.

KEY FINDINGS:

The process of transition of the KSF mandate is moving ahead according to the plan. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has followed rigorously the process of transition as set forth in the Comprehensive Development Plan of building defence capabilities. There was no intention of other ambitions or “jumping” from the original plan;

Since 2018, the KSF intensified its efforts of serving as a force for good, both internally and externally. In the latest development, it provided tangible contribution during the earthquake disaster in Albania in November 2019 and it deployed first ever overseas mission in Kuwait as part of US IOWA contingent in March 2021;

The KSF transition did not translate into any escalation in the relations between Kosovo and Serbia and so far its development trajectory did not contribute in the destructive narrative in the relations between both countries

The sceptics of the transition of the KSF have faltered, while those in support of the new mandate have been empowered.