The Central African Republic (CAR) is appealing for the full lifting of a diamond export embargo that has hampered its economy for over a decade.
During the Kimberley Process (KP) plenary assembly in Dubai on Tuesday, CAR representatives emphasized that progress in security and regulatory measures now justifies ending the restrictions.
The Kimberley Process, a regulatory body aiming to prevent the trade of “blood diamonds” from conflict zones, has restricted CAR’s diamond exports since a civil war erupted in 2013.
CAR’s Mines and Geology Minister, Rufin Benam Beltoungou, highlighted his government’s commitment to peace and compliance with KP standards, according to a statement by his ministry.
After a KP expert mission in September, Beltoungou stated that CAR has achieved security and traceability standards required to meet KP guidelines. For the first time since 2015, KP experts assessed conditions at mining sites in CAR to ensure adherence to international protocols.
Despite progress, Paul-Crescent Beninga of the KP’s Civil Society Working Group urged caution, noting that while the expert team was optimistic, the final decision on lifting the embargo remains uncertain.
The diamond export restrictions have dramatically impacted CAR’s economy. In 2011, CAR earned roughly $50 million from diamond exports, but that figure dropped to less than $500,000 last year. Officials argue that lifting the embargo could bolster peace efforts by providing employment opportunities in the mining sector.
The Kimberley Process meeting, which continues through Friday, brings participants together to evaluate whether CAR’s progress warrants an end to the sanctions that continue to limit the nation’s economic recovery.
