Fully reinstating the Central African Republic (CAR) into the Kimberley Process (KP) is critical to ensuring that the country fully benefits from its natural diamond resources, according to the KP leadership.

KP Chairman Ahmed Bin Sulayem led a UAE delegation to CAR early this month to assess its diamond situation and to push for an expedited review and full restoration of its diamond trade. 

Trading of rough diamonds from CAR has been banned since 2013 due to civil and political unrest. Citing an improved security situation, eight subprefectures have since been approved for diamond exports while 16 others still face restrictions.

Restoring CAR’s diamond trade is at a “critical” and “urgent” stage, according to the KP. KP earlier designated a monitoring team for CAR, which has yet to visit the country.

“By not reinstating certain regions of CAR into the KP, it means that diamonds mined in non-approved areas can only be traded illicitly, significantly impacting the livelihood of families and children across the country,” explained Bin Sulayem. “We strongly urge the CAR Monitoring Team, led by the US, to expedite a review mission, which has not been prioritised for 10 years.” 

The Kimberley Process is an international organisation established in 2003 by the United Nations to regulate the global diamond trade and prevent the entry of conflict diamonds into mainstream channels. To date, the KP has 59 participants, representing 85 countries. The UAE was named KP chair for 2024.