Shabangu Praises Work of KP Against Background of CAR Instability

South Africa's Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu said the removal from power of the Central African Republic (CAR) president and concerns that rebels are being financed by conflict diamonds has shown the pivotal role the Kimberley Process (KP) plays.

Speaking to the KP's Intersessional Meeting in South Africa, Shabangu said the KP’s response to the situation in the Central African Republic served as “a valuable lesson and reminder of the primary objectives, which led to the establishment of the KP, is not completely dissipated and confirms the need to strengthen it.”

A transitional government has since been installed under the presidency of Michel Djotodia after it kicked out elected president Francois Bozize.

Shabangu paid tribute to the KP's work, saying it had led to a restoration of consumer confidence in diamonds.

She said that more than 99 percent of all the diamonds traded around the world are now conflict-free due to the work of the P.

However, the volatility in the CAR illustrated that continuing watchfulness was required to prevent illicit diamonds entering the diamond industry.

Shabangu said that KP Chair South Africa hoped the KP would consolidate its achievements.

She said the KP's mission was to “redeem this rare and valuable commodity from being used as an instrument of maiming of innocent people”.