Without Ali Ahmeti, Albanians in North Macedonia Are Unprotected – Calls for Ethnic Cleansing Show the Need for Unity and Leadership
By Flamur Bucpapaj
If an Albanian’s life is endangered – the response will be collective, coordinated, and just.
Racist Chants and Incitement to Violence Against Albanians in North Macedonia – Silence Equals Complicity
During a basketball game held in North Macedonia, in the presence of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, openly racist chants and calls for violence against Albanians were heard:
“Kill the Albanian,” “A dead Albanian – a clean Macedonia,” and even “Gas chambers.”
These are not just expressions of extreme racism, but direct calls for ethnic cleansing and extermination – reminiscent of the darkest discourse of the past century in the Balkans.
Albanians, as an indigenous people in this region, cannot and will not remain indifferent to such dangerous and unacceptable rhetoric.
If anyone believes they can repeat the dark chapters of history through hate speech and violence, they must know that Albania and Albanians everywhere in the world will stand up – to defend Albanian life, identity, and land.
North Macedonia must finally decide the path it will follow: either the path of equality and coexistence, or the path of hatred that leads to conflict and international isolation.
It is unacceptable to allow such behavior in a country that aspires to become a member of the European Union. It is also incomprehensible how Greece – which rightly objected to the exclusive use of the name “Macedonia” – agreed for this country to be called “North Macedonia,” while Thessaloniki and much of “historic Macedonia” lies within Greek territory.
What Is Needed:
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A strong and clear response from the Albanian government and Kosovo’s institutions.
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A decisive stance from the EU, USA, and international organizations to condemn hate speech and threats of violence.
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The imposition of sanctions against the organizers and those who openly incite ethnic violence.
Albanians are not seeking mercy – they demand dignity and equality, in a region where history has shown that only justice and coexistence provide a way forward.
Alarming Calls for Ethnic Cleansing in North Macedonia Must Not Be Ignored
In a shocking act that recalls the darkest scenes of Balkan history, during a basketball match in North Macedonia, and in the presence of Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, dangerous and racist chants were heard:
“Kill the Albanian!”
“A dead Albanian – a clean Macedonia!”
“Gas chambers!”
These are not just primitive slogans of frustrated fans. These are clear calls for ethnic cleansing and elimination of the Albanian presence in the state – language that has historically led to tragedy in our region.
What is particularly grave is not only the content of these chants but the criminal silence of the authorities, who did nothing to stop them, and the passive presence of the Prime Minister, who took no step to condemn this disgraceful act. This is a moral and institutional failure of the state.
The Return of Ali Ahmeti to the Helm of Albanian Leadership Is a National Necessity
These dangerous developments clearly show that Albanians in North Macedonia cannot afford to be divided.
In the absence of a recognized, strong, and internationally respected leader like Ali Ahmeti, Albanians risk being left without effective representation, without political protection, and without mechanisms to prevent open discrimination.
Ali Ahmeti is more than a politician – he is a symbol of resistance and unity. His active return and assumption of leadership responsibilities in times of crisis is an urgent demand of the current political reality.
Is North Macedonia Ready for an Equal State, or Is It Heading Toward Conflict?
Instead of publicly condemning the calls for ethnic cleansing, the Macedonian state remained silent. The police did not intervene. Prime Minister Mickoski was present and chose not to react.
If this is the new standard in North Macedonia, then Albanians have a legitimate right to defend themselves and to seek international guarantees for their safety and future.
What Must Happen Now?
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Immediate and strong reactions from the Albanian and Kosovar governments through official protest notes and active diplomacy.
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Clear condemnation from the European Union and the United States of America, demanding the punishment of those responsible.
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Albanians in North Macedonia must unite behind real representatives – not those who compromise with racism.
Albanians Are Not Victims – They Are a Determining Factor
Albanians have survived injustice, persecution, and wars. But they have always risen stronger.
Anyone who thinks Albanians can be erased from the map through racist slogans is deeply mistaken.
If an Albanian’s life is threatened – the response will be collective, coordinated, and just.
Albanians are an indigenous people in North Macedonia, contributors to the founding and development of this state. They are not newcomers, nor foreigners, but co-owners of all political and democratic processes in the country.
No one has the right to demand their elimination – whether through public calls or political rhetoric.
If it is thought that Albanians can be treated as second-class citizens, or worse, as a people to be eradicated – then one thing must be made absolutely clear:
Albania and Albanians everywhere will stand up – to defend Albanian life, dignity, and land.
Some Truths That Must Not Be Forgotten:
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North Macedonia is a multiethnic state only on paper. In practice, every internal crisis is channeled into hatred against Albanians.
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The name of this country, obtained through a compromise with Greece, includes a historical legacy that does not belong to its people or its history. Greece should never have allowed the appropriation of a name that has no real connection with Ancient Macedonia, let alone with Thessaloniki or Greek Macedonia.
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Albanians are a factor of peace, integration, and development in this state. But if contempt and hatred become state ideology, then Albanians have the historical, moral, and political right to seek protection and self-determination.
What Needs to Happen Now:
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Immediate and powerful response from the Albanian and Kosovar governments, summoning ambassadors for clarification and formal protest.
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Clear condemnation from the European Union, USA, OSCE, and other international organizations of hate speech and violent calls.
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Criminal investigations into the organizers and perpetrators of these chants, as well as into any official who remained silent or cooperated in this dangerous act.
Albanians are not a people to be intimidated.
They have historically proven that they know how to survive – and how to resist.
If Balkan history teaches us anything, it is this: unchecked hate speech always ends in violence. And violence against Albanians will not go unanswered.
