Groups Urge Caution over Central African Republic

RAPAPORT... The World Diamond Council (WDC) and the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) have called on the trade to show extra care when handling rough that may have originated in the Central African Republic (CAR).The caution follows recent reports of attacks by rebel fighters on the capital, Bangui, and other major cities, the organizations said in a statement Thursday. Diamond buyers should purchase CAR goods only if they meet the minimum requirements of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPSC) and carry an official KP certificate, they noted."Due to the political unrest, and in accordance with the special operational framework that was approved in November 2019 by the Kimberley Process, the WDC and AWDC urge all members of the trade to continue conducting enhanced due diligence regarding the import of rough diamonds from the CAR and its neighboring countries," the statement read. "Although diamond production from conflict-affected areas in CAR represents only a very small percentage of global diamond production, diamond businesses should exercise the utmost caution."CAR has been in and out of the KP over the years. The KP - established to keep the supply chain free of conflict diamonds - suspended the country in 2013 because of concerns that its diamonds were funding violence by rebels. It has since rejoined, but exports are only permitted from select "green zones" that comply with the KP's rules.Image: Rough diamonds. (Shutterstock)