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Journal of Military and Strategic Studies
Journal of Military and Strategic Studies
Terror Financing: Back in Business. A Case study of the Democratic Republic of Congo (ex-Zaire)
By Jorim Disengomoka
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.