Ibrahim Rugova: The pacifist visionary who paved Kosova's path to independence through democracy and peace

Cercë, Ibrahim Rugova’s birthplace, is a small village near Istog in northwest Kosova. On January 10, 1945, just one month after he was born, Yugoslav Communists murdered his father, Uk Rugova, and his grandfather, Rrustë Rugova. Rrustë Rugova had been a prominent resistance fighter against the Serbian nationalist Chetnik detachments that entered the area during World War II. Raised by his mother, Ibrahim grew up in a family bereft of its two most influential men, naturally cultivating a distance from Serbian communism and nationalism.

Growing up in a large traditional family, devoid of a fatherly figure, with uncles who assumed the mantle of clan masters and stewards of its property, and finding solace only in the protection of his widowed mother, undoubtedly etched a profound imprint on Rugova’s sensitive personality. It likely played a significant role in shaping his strong aversion towards violence. For him, non-violence emerged as the sole method of confronting authority in moments of powerlessness.

Many struggle to comprehend Ibrahim Rugova’s unwavering opposition to violence and his commitment to peace. However, a compelling explanation lies in his deep connection to his maternal side of the family, which likely served as his sole source of security and reassurance. During a dinner with Senator Robert Dole in the U.S., Rugova, feeling at ease, shared, “I feel safe and relaxed here in the U.S., like I used to feel when with my maternal uncles.” (Interview with Bujar Bukoshi, former Prime Minister of Kosova, conducted by Mero Baze.)

Translating the significance of “maternal uncles” to the pro-Kosovar U.S. Senator must have posed a challenge. Yet, for Rugova, they represented much more than mere relatives—they symbolized security and stability, mirroring the power and significance he attributed to the United States. As his mother’s brothers, they offered him reassurance and a sense of security throughout his upbringing. Similarly, Rugova perceived the U.S. as a guardian for Kosova, a vulnerable Balkan region grappling with the violence inflicted by Serbia.

After completing his high school education in Peja in 1967, Rugova pursued Albanology at the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Prishtina, graduating in 1971. However, his formative training as a scholar and art critic occurred at the École Pratique des Hautes Études in Paris from 1976 to 1977 where he studied under Roland Barthes and focused on literary theory. In 1984, he earned his PhD in literature from the University of Prishtina.

Rugova’s initial forays into public discourse unfolded through his editorial roles in various publications of the time. He commenced his journey as an editor at the student newspaper ‘Bota e Re’ and later contributed to the scientific journal ‘Dituria.’ Subsequently, he transitioned to the role of a literary researcher at the Albanological Institute of Prishtina, where he assumed the position of chief editor for the magazine ‘Gjurmime Albanologjike’ (Albanological Studies).

One of Rugova’s early writings dates back to his first year as a university student. On November 28, 1968, amidst the burgeoning political movement advocating for greater national rights in Kosova, he penned an essay titled “National Independence, November 28, 1912-1968,” which stands as a resolute affirmation of Kosova's Albanian identity and its intrinsic connection to Albania's struggle for independence. (Rugova, Ibrahim. “National Independence, November 28, 1912-1968.” Bota e Re, 28 Nov. 1968.)

Rugova's initial interactions with communist Albania were limited to a few visits as a researcher and author in 1971, 1974, and 1980. After the 1981 demonstrations in Kosova, the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) cut off ties with Albania, accusing it of inciting the protests.

Nonetheless, Rugova rose to prominence as a scholar and intellectual championing Albanian cultural values. He engaged in debates with Kosova's political elite of the time, who remained aligned with the Serbian regime. Rugova opposed the removal of Ismail Kadare’s literary works from Albanian school curricula. The Yugoslav authorities justified their action by labeling Kadare and other Albanian authors as nationalists. Rugova's vocal opposition to this decision led to conflicts with the political authorities in Kosova.

Addressing the issue, Rugova stated, “I have read in the press about the decision of the Provincial Council of Education to remove certain books and works from the Albanian literature school texts. The decision lacks proper justification and raises doubts in public opinion. While it's natural for the school curriculum to evolve and reflect new values, it shouldn't be done by arbitrarily excluding works on political grounds. This was evident in the removal of significant literary pieces by Albanian authors like Mark Krasniqi and the entire oeuvre of Ismail Kadare. If we were to follow this principle, we would have to exclude other writers from the curriculum, such as Ivo Andrić, who in 1939 wrote an elaborate thesis, advocating the eradication of Albanians. However, we continue to study his work because in their works, authors like Andrić transcend their political and personal biases. We need to recognize the value of their literary contributions.” (January 22, 1987. The ‘Rilindja’ Newspaper.)

In 1998, Ibrahim Rugova was elected as President of the Writers’ Union of Kosova, marking a significant turning point in his public role. From this position, he began to emerge as a prominent figure engaged in debates with Serbian intellectuals and fervently advocating for the rights of Albanians.

In March 1989, as Serbia dismantled Kosova’s autonomy, Rugova distinguished himself not only for his intellectual courage but also for his clarity regarding Kosova’s path to freedom. He became the first Albanian intellectual in Kosova to assert that the region could only achieve salvation through democracy and a strong alliance with the West, coupled with a commitment to peaceful resistance. This, he argued, was essential for the survival of its people and to prevent the partitioning of the country.

This political philosophy formed the foundation of the Democratic League of Kosova (DLK), rapidly establishing itself as a leading political force and garnering widespread support, despite the emergence of other political parties. In March 1989, during interviews with Reuters and ‘Der Spiegel,’ Rugova unequivocally asserted that Kosova could only thrive as a democratic society, compelling Serbia to respect the fundamental rights of Albanians and the principles of self-governance. However, this stance faced significant opposition.

In June 1989, amidst the Serbian nationalist fervour surrounding the 600th anniversary of the “Battle of Kosova Field,” which was evolving into a campaign against Kosova's Albanian identity, Ibrahim Rugova once again found himself under attack. The catalyst was his recent interview with ‘Der Spiegel,’ where he emphasized that “Serbs are returning again as castigators.” In the interview, Rugova debunked the Serbian myth of the “Battle of Kosova Field,” stating that it was actually an alliance involving all Balkan peoples, including Serbs, Albanians, Hungarians, and others, as they were all Christians fighting against the Ottomans. He criticized the celebrations for the battle’s 600th anniversary as Serbian nationalist and chauvinistic displays and called for Albanians to be recognized as equal citizens, warning of potential consequences otherwise.
The interview triggered a strong political backlash. The leadership of the Provincial Committee of the Socialist League held a special meeting to discuss Ibrahim Rugova’s interview and officially denounced it, calling for his exclusion from the Writers’ Union.

They stated, “At a time when progressive forces in our society, led by the Communist League and the Kosova League of Trade Unions, were striving to implement resolutions aimed at stabilizing the political situation and ensuring security in Kosova, Ibrahim Rugova, in a hostile manner, attempted to portray these efforts as irrelevant through foreign media outlets, misinforming the international community and criticizing the policies of the Communist League of Yugoslavia. Rugova's actions, rooted in Albanian nationalism and separatism, perpetuate hatred and division among our nations.” (June 26, 1989. The ‘Rilindja’ Newspaper.)

The Socialist League of Kosova also reacted strongly to Rugova’s interview, stating, “The leadership of the Socialist League of Kosova firmly rejects [Rugova’s] attacks on our system and policies, denouncing his lies and falsehoods. Therefore, the leadership urges the Municipal Council of the IS of Prishtina to revoke Ibrahim Rugova’s membership in the Writers’ Union of Kosova and calls on competent authorities to take all necessary measures to prevent further hostile actions by him and others like him.”

But Rugova was now clear on how Kosova should differentiate itself from Serbia. Democracy would make the difference. Therefore, he turned democracy into the doctrine that would save Kosova, and made the West its ally. His belief in non-violence was almost religious, providing him with the needed confidence in the journey towards Kosova’s ultimate liberation. It was as if he won the battle through non-action. There was something akin to Churchillian in Rugova’s belief that Albanians could prevail, although they had no other means, but to avoid war.

Rugova's vision for Kosova's differentiation from Serbia crystallized around the core principle of democracy. He saw democracy as the key doctrine that would ultimately save Kosova, and he sought to forge alliances with the West to achieve this goal. His commitment to non-violence was nearly religious, providing him with the necessary confidence in Kosova’s journey to liberation. It was as if he believed victory could be attained through passive resistance. It seemed as though he achieved victory through inaction. There was something reminiscent of Winston Churchill in Rugova’s belief that Albanians could triumph despite having no recourse but to avoid war.

Over the course of his sixteen-year political career, Ibrahim Rugova fundamentally transformed Kosova's relationships with neighbouring countries and Western nations. He dismantled an entire system that had perpetuated a negative perception of Albanians. While other Balkan peoples within the former Yugoslavia took up arms and waged wars for independence in the early 1990s, Rugova, through his courage and successful vision, managed to keep Kosova isolated from a bloody conflict. His foresight not only aligned Kosova with the West but also cast Albanians in a positive light before the inevitable confrontation. It fostered solidarity within Kosovar society before the atrocities of the Serbian regime began. Above all, Rugova's vision shifted the Albanian cause from an unresolved issue of "National Unity" to the establishment of an independent Kosovar state.

Furthermore, Rugova's vision swiftly dispelled Serbian myths about Kosova and spurred new understanding in Serbia that Kosova was not a battleground for their survival. In a sense, Rugova's vision also reshaped Serbia's history. While it's challenging to determine whether Kosovar Albanians embraced Rugova's project as a vision or an alternative, it was clear that they saw it as their destiny.

Ibrahim Rugova passed away before witnessing the culmination of his political life: Kosova's independence. Though it's uncertain whether Albanians chose Rugova as their representative in the early 1990s, it is evident that he charted the correct course to safeguard the Albanian people and persuade them of the path they should follow. This is why they embraced him as their symbol.

In the mid-1990s, Rugova stood alone in advocating for a peaceful path towards liberation. There was uncertainty within the DLK in Kosova, as well as in Albania, about whether this approach would yield results. Pressure mounted for a more proactive stance, perhaps even advocating for clandestine military organizations. However, Rugova's strategy evoked interest and sympathy among Western leaders. They saw in his simple philosophy the potential for societal self-organization and the sincerity of a pacifist leader. It was a vision that transcended the norms of a typical, impassioned Albanian.

It is highly unlikely that anyone else would have chosen the path that ultimately empowered the Albanians through peace. To challenge the negative image of Albanians painted by Serbia in the West, one might have needed countless historical studies. However, Rugova's alternative made such efforts unnecessary. Overcoming the diplomatic power of the former Yugoslavia would have required the alliance of multiple nations. Yet, Ibrahim Rugova not only secured the support of friends of the Albanian nation but also completely altered the perception that Serbia's historical allies held about Kosova.

Albanians would have likely failed in their efforts to defeat the Yugoslav army even if they had unified under a single national army. However, Rugova's vision and alliances paved the way for the intervention of NATO, the world's largest military force, to come to their aid. NATO's intervention was a consistent theme in all of his statements during his first decade in politics.

Rugova was the first to genuinely advocate for Kosova's independence. Until the mid-1970s, Albanians had hoped for Kosova to be united with Albania, considering the idea of independence mere hypocrisy. Rugova boldly articulated the necessity of Kosova's independence, shaping it according to his vision and tirelessly working to convey this vision to his fellow Albanians.
While there are many anecdotes about his symbolic gestures, such as the crystals he gifted to foreign leaders, the flags he embroidered, the anthems he wrote, and his efforts to revive old traditions, these actions primarily stemmed from his genuine commitment to creating an independent Kosova.

While Rugova's political alternative existed for many others in Albania and Kosova, it lacked the sincerity that characterized Rugova's genuine commitment. Unlike others, his choice was authentic and deeply rooted. While he held respect for Albania, he never allowed it to influence him unduly. Rugova was a natural advocate for independence, who reformed the Albanians’ platform for a national unification of both countries. He forged a new history, creating an independent Kosova and redefining the interests of Albanians in the Balkans.

Moreover, Rugova redefined Kosova's spiritual ties with the West. His commitment to Europe's Christian values, his legendary tolerance towards adversaries, and his sincere appearances alongside figures like Mother Teresa and the Pope transformed Kosova's alignment with the West into his new crusade. Few societies would have accepted such impositions as Rugova made on Kosova without encountering problems. In a Muslim-majority society, advocating for conversions to Catholicism and a return to the Christian roots of Europe would typically provoke backlash. However, Rugova navigated these challenges with remarkable ease, captivating even dissenting voices with his almost mystical persona. This dimension of his leadership enabled him to garner acceptance even among Kosova's non-Albanian residents. Ibrahim Rugova embodied the vision of Kosova that he had conceived in his mind. Throughout my years as a journalist, whenever I had the opportunity to meet him, I never witnessed Rugova engaging in commentary on his critics, opponents, or those who attacked him.

The Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1990, the proclamation of the Republic of Kosova and its constitution on September 7, 1990, the Referendum for Kosova’s independence and sovereignty held in late September 1991, and the first pluralist elections for the Parliament of Kosova along with the presidential elections on May 24, 1992, were pivotal moments that paved the way for the creation of the Kosovar state.

Rugova's passing in January 2006 prevented him from witnessing the official independence of Kosova. However, his solemn funeral, attended by foreign ministers from the EU, the U.S., and other significant countries, served as a poignant moment when the world acknowledged Ibrahim Rugova’s mission and recognized Kosova’s independence, leaving behind a lasting legacy in his honor.

From The First Republic of Kosova by Mero Baze