The Kimberley Process (KP) has officially lifted its 11-year embargo on diamonds from the Central African Republic (CAR), marking a milestone for the certification scheme. The announcement was made at the KP’s annual plenary in Dubai on November 15, sparking applause and celebrations among attendees.
Mixed Reactions to the Decision
While CAR’s government hailed the decision as a victory, describing it as a moment of “great joy and satisfaction,” critics argue that the embargo failed to address core issues in the region.
According to Hans Merket of the International Peace Information Service, the embargo fueled smuggling and illegal trade rather than curbing rebel influence. “Without addressing the root causes—fraud, corruption, and smuggling by criminal networks—the devastation will persist,” he said.
The Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition (KPCSC), a group often critical of the KP, expressed similar concerns, stating that the decision highlights the KP’s need for urgent reform.
Support for the Change
Despite the criticism, Feriel Zerouki, president of the World Diamond Council, noted that lifting the embargo aligns with findings that CAR meets the KP’s minimum standards. “It’s the right step to support artisanal communities by providing legitimate routes to market,” Zerouki said. CAR is home to an estimated 150,000 to 300,000 artisanal diamond and gold miners.
Broader KP Updates
Other key decisions from the plenary include:
- Chairmanship: The United Arab Emirates will serve as custodian chair through 2025 after consensus failed on other candidates.
- Vice Chair: Thailand was approved as vice chair for 2025, paving the way for its chairmanship in 2026.
- Co-Chairs: A new co-chair system will enable smaller nations to share leadership responsibilities, fostering more inclusive governance.
- Digitization: The KP committed to digitizing its records to modernize operations.
Moving Forward
The embargo, originally imposed in 2013 and partially eased in 2016 and 2018, highlights ongoing challenges within the diamond industry. As the KP shifts its focus, stakeholders hope for reforms that address the deeper issues impacting regions like CAR.