Financial Crime World

Central African Republic: Shadowy Trade Fuels Protracted Violence and Human-Rights Abuses

The Central African Republic (CAR) has been plagued by protracted violence and human-rights abuses, according to a recent United Nations Security Council report. The report highlights the devastating impact of illicit flows on the country, including illegal natural-resource extraction, arms trafficking, human trafficking, and poaching.

A Pervasive Criminal Market

The UN Security Council’s Panel of Experts has provided a stark picture of the criminal markets in CAR. The panel’s report reveals that:

  • Illegal natural-resource extraction is a significant problem, with armed groups profiting from illegal gold and diamond mining.
  • Arms trafficking is widespread, with weapons being traded for precious minerals.
  • Human trafficking is also a major issue, with criminals exploiting vulnerable individuals for profit.
  • Poaching is another serious concern, with hunting ammunition and weapons being traded for precious minerals.

Weak Governance and Ongoing Conflict

CAR’s ability to combat crime is among the lowest on the continent due to:

  • Weak governance: The country has struggled with effective governance, making it difficult to address criminal activity.
  • Extreme vulnerability to shocks: CAR is highly vulnerable to external shocks, such as economic downturns or natural disasters, which can exacerbate criminal activity.
  • Ongoing conflict: The country has been plagued by conflict for many years, which has created an environment conducive to criminal activity.

Regional Cooperation and Information-Sharing

The UN Security Council has emphasized the need for regional cooperation to address the transnational nature of armed groups’ financing and territorial control. CAR is situated between several countries with UNSC-imposed sanctions regimes, including:

  • The Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Sudan
  • South Sudan

In its latest resolution, the Council encouraged authorities in CAR and neighboring states to work together to investigate and combat transnational criminal networks and armed groups involved in arms trafficking.

A Critical Role for Information-Sharing

The panel’s report highlights the critical role of information-sharing between UN fact-finding missions and expert panels to develop a comprehensive picture of the shadowy trade that fuels the conflict. This information can help authorities to better understand the criminal networks operating in the country and take effective action against them.

Resolving the Conflict

The conflict in CAR is fueled by a complex web of natural-resource exploitation, illicit arms flows, criminal entrepreneurship, local communities, and cross-border trafficking. Resolving the conflict in a sustainable way can only occur if the illicit flows that pervade the country are addressed. CAR is a critical place for understanding and responding to illicit flows, and addressing these issues is essential for promoting peace and stability in the region.