The U.S. State Department has expressed frustration over the Kimberley Process (KP) for failing to investigate the role of Russia’s diamond trade in funding its war against Ukraine. This marks the second consecutive year that Russia and a small group of allies blocked efforts to address the issue.
A Missed Opportunity for Accountability
In a statement on November 22, the State Department said, “Despite the KP’s mandate to address how the trade in rough diamonds fuels conflict, Russia and a small number of other KP participants objected to the request.” The statement also noted that Russia once again refused to support a public communiqué acknowledging Ukraine’s concerns.
Lifting the Embargo on CAR
The U.S. also commented on the Kimberley Process’s recent decision to lift its 11-year embargo on diamonds from the Central African Republic (CAR). The State Department called the move a step toward economic empowerment for CAR’s people but emphasized the need for enhanced vigilance to ensure exports are conducted responsibly.
“This advances our shared priority of ensuring the people of CAR can benefit economically from their natural resources without undercutting the country’s peace,” the statement added.
Criticism of the UAE’s Leadership
The U.S. statement follows similar concerns raised by the European Union, which labeled remarks by Kimberley Process chair Ahmed bin Sulayem as “regrettable.” During the KP’s annual plenary in Dubai (November 12–15), bin Sulayem criticized the EU’s proposed diamond traceability system, arguing it could undermine the sovereignty of African nations.
The UAE, which chaired the Kimberley Process in 2024, will continue as custodial chair in 2025, with Thailand stepping in as vice chair.