The SAO Bosanska Krajina developed between summer and autumn of 1991 in preparation for a step to independence being taken by Bosnia like Slovenia and Croatia had done.

The goal was to have areas where Serbs had a majority or a significant portion of population prevent such independence.

A separate Assembly of the Serb People in Bosnia and Herzegovina was established on 24 October 1991, dominated by the Serbian Democratic Party (SDS).

[4] On 9 January 1992, that Assembly adopted a declaration on the proclamation of the Serbian Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

[5] The geographical area comprising the ARK thus became part of the proclaimed Serbian Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.