KP Chair Welile Nhlepo.

(IDEX Online News) – The Kimberley Process has suspended the Central African Republic (CAR) because of military conflict in the country.

 

KP Chair Welile Nhlepo on Monday signed a document certifying that diamond trading with the CAR was suspended with immediate effect, Reuters reported. The document was sent to the 80 member states of the Kimberley Process.

 

The move was taken due to concerns that conflict diamonds may be financing rebel activities.

 

Nhlapo told the World Diamond Council in Tel Aviv earlier this month that all diamond monitoring and controls in the CAR had come to a halt since the removal of President Francois Bozize.

 

Michel Djotodia, leading thousands of Seleka rebels, captured the CAR capital Bangui and proclaimed himself president after seizing power from Bozizé on March 24.

 

The rebels started an offensive against the CAR government last December.