On Tuesday, the Central African Republic (CAR) urged the Kimberley Process (KP) regulatory body to lift the decade-old embargo on its diamond exports, aiming to end restrictions that were initially imposed to block the trade of “blood diamonds” from conflict areas. This appeal was made during the opening of the KP’s plenary session in Dubai, led by the United Arab Emirates.
CAR’s Mines and Geology Minister, Rufin Benam Beltoungou, emphasized the government’s commitment to peace and compliance with international standards, arguing that CAR now meets the conditions for lifting the embargo, including enhanced security and diamond traceability. KP experts visiting CAR for the first time since 2015 recently inspected diamond mining sites, assessing compliance with international protocols.
Although the CAR’s civil war eased in 2018, security challenges persist, particularly around mining sites, where armed groups vie for control. Despite some progress, the CAR’s diamond revenue has sharply declined from 2011 levels, largely due to embargo constraints. Additionally, mining permits have been issued to international companies, including those with ties to Russia’s Wagner Group, raising further questions over regional influence.
President Faustin Archange Touadera has urged the international community to recognize CAR’s efforts to stabilize, noting “relative stability” despite occasional armed clashes. The CAR government views lifting the embargo as crucial to economic recovery, as diamond and gold resources remain vital to its economy.
