The Central African Republic (CAR) has been rocked by renewed violence this week with 36 people killed and 42,575 displaced persons over the last few days. A new report from Amnesty International, "Chains of Abuse," provides unique insights a key fuel for the violence in CAR, the blood diamond trade. The Enough Project also drew attention to this in May 2015 with the report "Warlord Business" that detailed the shadow economy of armed groups in CAR, which includes the diamonds, gold, cattle, and coffee trades, and forceful taxation and extensive looting.
Bringing an end to the recent violence in Bangui requires strong responses from UN peacekeepers and local dialogues. But long-term stability will only come with a multifaceted approach that disrupts the sources of financing for the armed groups and others who profit from the crisis in CAR.