Conflict Diamonds: Report Challenges KP Lifting of CAR Embargo
June 30, 25
(IDEX Online) - The Kimberley Process's full lifting of an embargo on Central African Republic (CAR) last November sends a message that conflict diamonds are no longer a problem - which is very far from the truth, says a new report by International Peace Information Service (IPIS).
"This raises existential questions about its continued relevance. If the scheme cannot recognise conflict diamonds in CAR — where armed actors still exploit parts of the diamond trade — it is unlikely to do so anywhere else," says IPIS, an independent research institute based in Antwerp.
It says the KP ultimately failed in its core mission in CAR, and the 11-year embargo, which was lifted last November, harmed vulnerable mining communities, but didn't curb illicit activity.
"The decision to lift the embargo - driven largely by political pressure - was taken without a clear strategy to address these persistent challenges, risking further setbacks to efforts toward a diamond sector that supports inclusive development and long-term stability," says IPIS in a 44-page report entitled Diamonds, conflict and crime in the Central African Republic: The lifting of the last Kimberley Process embargo.
"It also raises serious questions about the credibility and future relevance of the KP itself."
CAR is one of the world's poorest countries, torn apart by a civil war that stared in 2013 and that is still ongoing.
The Seleka, a coalition of predominantly Muslim rebel groups, toppled the government in a conflict that was reportedly funded by conflict diamonds, that saw widespread killings, rapes, and destruction of villages.
KP voted to re-admit CAR as a full member, in light of what it said was an improving security situation.
IPIS says the embargo itself, aimed at preventing conflict financing, often harmed artisanal miners more than armed groups.
CAR's rough diamond exports were embargoed in 2013 due to conflict diamonds funding rebels. Partial easing occurred from 2015-2019, but progress stalled amid instability, Wagner Group involvement, and Russian influence.
Most mining zones remained restricted until November 2024, when the Kimberley Process lifted the embargo.
Pic shows front cover of IPIS report.