A Game of Stones: Smuggling Diamonds in the Central African Republic
Publisher: Global Witness
Date: 2017
Topics: Conflict Causes, Extractive Resources
Countries: Central African Republic
Over a crackly mobile phone somewhere in the Central African Republic (CAR), or maybe Cameroon, a dealer is pitching for business. “Yes, it’s scary,” he says, “but in this business, (…) you have to dare.” The business is diamonds and, as he reminds us, “this [CAR] is a diamond country.”1
The dealer knows his audience. He is speaking to an opportunist. Where others see conflict, instability, and chaos, he sees a business opportunity.
“If you come, you are going to see stones. Maybe if you are lucky, a stone will catch your eye” another dealer beckons.2 All that remains is to find a way to move the valuable stones out of the war-stricken country.