Financial Crime Investigation Techniques Key to Unraveling Ongoing Conflict in Central African Republic

The United Nations Security Council has highlighted the devastating impact of illicit flows on the protracted violence and human rights abuses in the Central African Republic (CAR). To combat the illegal trade that fuels the conflict, effective financial crime investigation techniques are crucial.

The Devastating Impact of Illicit Flows

A recent UN Security Council report emphasizes the need to tackle the issue. Despite a 2019 peace accord signed by 14 armed groups and the government, fighting has continued across the country, with many conflict dynamics remaining unresolved. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that approximately 2.6 million people, over half of the population, will need humanitarian assistance in 2020.

CAR’s Criminal Market: A Hotbed of Illicit Activity

CAR ranks among the highest in Africa for its level of criminal markets, according to the Organized Crime Index Africa 2019. The country’s criminal market is characterized by:

Pervasive illicit natural-resource extraction
Arms trafficking
Human trafficking
Illegal logging
Poaching

The Expert Panel’s Report: Uncovering Transnational Trafficking Networks

The UN Security Council has tasked the expert panel with researching transnational trafficking networks that help fund and supply armed groups in CAR. The panel’s recent report highlights the complex ways in which cross-border smuggling impacts the conflict, including:

The illegal trade of gold and diamonds
Arms trafficking along the borders with Chad and Cameroon
Armed groups trading hunting ammunition and weapons for gold and precious minerals along the border between CAR and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Regional Cooperation: A Critical Component

Regional cooperation is essential to addressing the transnational nature of how armed groups finance their activities and maintain territorial control. Joint bilateral commissions between CAR and neighboring states are needed to address this issue.

The UN Security Council has encouraged authorities in CAR and neighboring states to work together to investigate and combat transnational criminal networks and armed groups involved in arms trafficking.
Sharing analysis is critical to develop a full picture of regional trafficking dynamics and their implications across conflict situations.

To develop a comprehensive understanding of the shadowy trade that fuels the conflict, information-sharing between the CAR expert panel and other UN fact-finding missions is essential. This will allow for a more accurate assessment of the illicit flows that pervade the country and their impact on human rights abuses and humanitarian crisis.

Conclusion: Addressing Illicit Flows Crucial to Resolving Conflict

Resolving the conflict in CAR can only occur if the illicit flows that fuel the conflict are addressed. Therefore, understanding and responding to these flows is critical for achieving sustainable peace in the region.