Regaining his freedom in 1988, Alija Izetbegović returned to the stage of history as a leader who would shape the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In March 1990, Izetbegović together with other intellectuals announced the founding of the Party of Democratic Action (SDA), which defended Bosnia’s multiethnic structure and constitutional equality. The idea of a “shared homeland,” bringing together Islamic ethics and democratic values, formed the core of this vision. In the first multi-party elections held in November 1990, Alija was elected to the multi-member Presidency and assumed the chairmanship of the council.
As Yugoslavia disintegrated, the independence of Slovenia and Croatia intensified Serbian nationalism and armed pressure in Bosnia. The Yugoslav People’s Army became the main instrument of this pressure. Alija waged an intense struggle on the international diplomatic stage and rejected partition. When Bosnia’s existence came under direct threat, he deemed resistance unavoidable.
On 1 March 1992, despite pressure and intimidation, the Bosnian people voted “yes” to independence in a national referendum. Following recognition by Europe and the United States, Serbian attacks accelerated, and Sarajevo was placed under siege within weeks.