The recent appearance of Veljko Džakula, leader of the rebel Serbs in Western Slavonia, on Croatian Radio Television sparked controversy, especially regarding his claims about desiring peace during the Croatian War of Independence. Džakula, who participated in a public forum discussing the anniversary of the Daruvar Agreement, suggested that while he wanted peace, others were intent on war. This self-portrayal has been challenged by Dr. Janja Sekula, an expert on the region's conflict, who asserts that Džakula's account is not only simplistic but fails to acknowledge his substantial role in the Serbian rebellion and the resultant violence.

Dr. Sekula's response is grounded in her extensive research, including her doctoral dissertation focused on Western Slavonia during the war. She highlights specific events and decisions made by Džakula and the rebel leadership that contradict his claims. According to Sekula, these actions contributed significantly to the conflict and suffering experienced in the region. Her analysis urges a reevaluation of Džakula's narrative to better understand the complexities of the war and the roles of its various actors, dismissing his claims of being a peacemaker as an attempt to rewrite history.

This debate is particularly significant in Croatia as the country continues to grapple with its wartime past. The ongoing public discussions around figures like Džakula and the narratives surrounding them reflect broader societal struggles with historical memory and truth. Dr. Sekula's intervention is a vital part of this discourse, seeking to bring clarity and accountability to the historical narrative of the Croatian War of Independence, emphasizing the necessity of confronting uncomfortable truths in order to foster genuine reconciliation in the region.