Blerton Ajeti: My week

Sunday

We have known that the declaration of independence was coming for a week or so. When it happens, though, people dance and break down in the streets, just like you would imagine. For them, independence is the end of a fight for ultimate freedom. I celebrate like everyone else, of course. There is a real sense of relief, but I already know that this isn't the end of Kosovo's fight. It is just the beginning of years of hard work.

Monday

Today, I head off to a bar that a friend of mine owns in Kosovo's capital, Pristina. It is a day when no one wants to talk about the details or nuances of independence. We still just want to celebrate. Returning to work is impossible at this time. I work for an NGO, and in the current delirium, we can't get any attention for anything.

Tuesday

Even after such a big event, you can never stay away from work for long. It's back to the office today. I work at Cohu, an organisation that campaigns against corruption. My work has taught me that the declaration of independence is not the real arrival of freedom in Kosovo, but just a good beginning. Now it is up to us. We need to work hard to make Kosovo a proper, democratic state.

Wednesday

I decide to meet up with some friends to discuss the independence. I say that though some people see it as it as the fulfilment of their dreams, I don't quite see it like that. Action is needed on corruption and organised crime, and we need to develop a sense of identity.

Thursday

I am disappointed by today's rioting in Serbia at Kosovo's decision to declare independence. I see the riots as a symptom of a belief in some myths about Kosovo – in particular that it is the cradle of Serbian culture and heritage. Back at work, I'm trying to recommend to our government ways of avoiding the legal violations of previous governments and, so far, it seems like they have the will to tackle corruption. We are monitoring its progress every day for a new report.

Friday

Today, I am hopeful for the future of Kosovo, but also cautious. We need to take our independence carefully, as we have years of work ahead of us. And independence has given me a further reason to stay here and carry on my anti-corruption work. We need to ensure Kosovo becomes a strong democracy.

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