Terror Financing: Back in Business. A Case study of the Democratic Republic of Congo (ex-Zaire)

Abstract

Conflict diamonds are often used in lieu of currency in arms deals, money laundering, and other criminal activities; they are easily concealed and transported and virtually untraceable to their original source. The United Nations (U.N) General Assembly defines conflict diamonds as “rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance their military activities, including attempts to undermine or overthrow legitimate governments” . The Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is the international response to the destabilizing effect of “rough” or conflict diamonds in the global search for sustainable peace and development in Sierra Leone, Angola, The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and other parts of Africa. It intends to eliminate trade in conflict and stolen diamonds with a view of cutting off the flow of much needed diamonds. These are used by rebels to purchase arms and ammunitions. The purpose is to eliminate or reduce armed conflicts in the affected states. The case will be made of the loophole in the KPCS that can further weaken the global security and destabilize Africa.

Though the KPCS is sound, there is a need to improve its essence. Stakeholders and the United Nations must develop a more comprehensive legal regime to strengthen the process by creating a regulatory body of diamond inspectors similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency. If nothing is done, we can easily envision or detect the possibility of money laundering, which could aid in the financing of terrorist organizations. A grim picture of that reality is almost visible in the DRC. Without democracy and strong legal institutions, the Democratic Republic of Congo could be a refuge for terror financing activities. What is stopping terror organizations from flourishing in this chaotic landscape? Nothing. The authority of the central government is concentrated in the hands of a few who are motivated by self-interest. Vast natural resources, such as coltan, diamonds, copper, gold and Uranium, are found throughout the country in regions where government control is weak or non-existent. Therefore, lawlessness consisting of a chaotic environment looms large over the country, inviting extremist organizations and their operatives to easily blend in with the diasporas of their respective communities and mastermind their next strikes.

The downfall of the transitional government can be provoked by socio-economic problems. The living condition of the average Congolese has become unbearable. The popular voices in the country are continually grumbling. As this grumbling grows, it could crystallize and induce an uncontrollable reflex among the population to revolt. The apparent calm is misleading; the situation is a time bomb. If nothing is done, history will repeat itself and the DRC will become a balkanized country with all its horrible implications.