KP Temporarily Suspends Central African Republic Due to Rebel Activity

KP Chair Welile Nhlepo on Monday signed a document sent to the 80 member states of the Kimberley Process certifying that diamond trading with the impoverished CAR was suspended with immediate effect.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) has temporarily suspended the Central African Republic (CAR) from its membership because of military conflict in the country.

The action was expected due to rebel activity in the country that overthrew the elected government in March.

The move was taken due to concerns that conflict diamonds may be financing rebel activities and fears of human rights abuses.

Michel Djotodia led thousands of Seleka rebels, and took over the CAR capital Bangui and proclaimed himself president after seizing power from President Francois Bozizé on March 24.

Nhlapo told the World Diamond Council in Tel Aviv earlier this month that all diamond monitoring and controls in the CAR had come to a halt since the removal of Bozize.