Specific Remarks:

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a member state of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

CAR has been the subject of discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability, including the implementation of the Joint Roadmap for Peace. The ICGLR has also supported CAR in rebuilding its defense and security forces following the country's conflict. Furthermore, the organization has called for an end to impunity in CAR and for justice for victims of human rights violations.

Central African Republic (CAR) Minerals Certification Situation

The Central African Republic (CAR) faces significant challenges in mineral certification, particularly with diamonds and gold, due to ongoing conflict and weak governance. While CAR is part of the Kimberley Process for diamond certification, illegal mining and trade persist, hindering efforts to ensure conflict-free sourcing. The country is also grappling with illegal gold mining, which fuels armed groups and environmental damage.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Diamonds:

• 1. Kimberley Process:

• CAR participates in the Kimberley Process, which aims to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.

• 2. Challenges:

• Despite the Kimberley Process, illegal mining and smuggling of diamonds continue, often financing armed groups and exacerbating conflict.

• 3. Export Embargo:

• In 2013, an export embargo was imposed due to widespread reports of rebel groups financing themselves through diamond mining and trade.

• 4. Limited Impact:

• While the embargo aimed to curb conflict financing, it also impacted legitimate miners and trade.

• 5. Recent Developments:

• There have been efforts to lift the embargo, but challenges remain in establishing a fully transparent and conflict-free system.

• 6. Key Mineral Resources:

• Angola is known for its rich mineral resources, including diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and tin.

Gold:

• 1. Illegal Mining:

• A significant portion of gold production in CAR is extracted illegally, with a large percentage not documented or legitimately exported.

• 2. Financing Conflict:

• This illegal gold trade is often linked to armed groups, who benefit from controlling mines and trade routes.

• 3. Environmental Impact:

• Illegal gold mining, often involving mercury and other harmful substances, has significant environmental consequences, including pollution and deforestation.

• 4. Environmental Impact:

• There is a lack of transparency and traceability in the gold supply chain, making it difficult to track the origin of gold and prevent it from financing conflict.

• 5. Lack of Transparency:

• There is a lack of transparency and traceability in the gold supply chain, making it difficult to track the origin of gold and prevent it from financing conflict.

General Challenges:

• 1. Weak Governance:

• Weak state capacity and corruption contribute to the challenges in regulating the mining sector and ensuring proper certification.

• 2. Conflict:

• The ongoing conflict in CAR creates an environment where illegal mining and trade can flourish, undermining legitimate efforts.

• 3. Informal Sector:

• A large informal mining sector makes it difficult to implement and monitor certification schemes.

International Efforts:

• 1. Donor Support:

• Donor governments and industry groups are supporting initiatives to promote transparent and conflict-free mineral supply chains.

• 2. Due Diligence:

• These efforts often involve due diligence processes, such as those developed by the OECD, to verify the origin of minerals.

• 3. Regional Cooperation:

• There is also a push for regional cooperation and information sharing to address cross-border illegal trade.

In conclusion, while CAR is part of the Kimberley Process and other initiatives aim to improve mineral certification, the country continues to struggle with illegal mining, conflict financing, and weak governance, hindering efforts to ensure conflict-free and legitimate mineral trade.