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Timber companies paid CAR armed groups millions, report finds Timber companies paid CAR armed groups millions, claims report
(7 days later)
The European and Chinese timber trade with Central African Republic has funded armed groups on both sides of a conflict that has engulfed the country since 2013, an anti-corruption group said on Wednesday.The European and Chinese timber trade with Central African Republic has funded armed groups on both sides of a conflict that has engulfed the country since 2013, an anti-corruption group said on Wednesday.
A Global Witness report estimated that the logging industry paid nearly €3.4m (£2.4m) in 2013 in security and checkpoint payments to the mostly northern Muslim Seleka rebels who seized control of the southern capital Bangui that year.A Global Witness report estimated that the logging industry paid nearly €3.4m (£2.4m) in 2013 in security and checkpoint payments to the mostly northern Muslim Seleka rebels who seized control of the southern capital Bangui that year.
The industry also paid roughly €3.7m in state taxes in 2013. In 2014, the report added, logging companies paid an estimated €127,864 to Christian anti-balaka militia groups.The industry also paid roughly €3.7m in state taxes in 2013. In 2014, the report added, logging companies paid an estimated €127,864 to Christian anti-balaka militia groups.
“The employment and development benefits of the timber industry have long been exaggerated by the donor community and are far outweighed by the sector’s abuses and costs in Central African Republic,” said the report.“The employment and development benefits of the timber industry have long been exaggerated by the donor community and are far outweighed by the sector’s abuses and costs in Central African Republic,” said the report.
The Seleka forced François Bozizem, the president at the time, to flee to Cameroon when they seized Bangui in March 2013.The Seleka forced François Bozizem, the president at the time, to flee to Cameroon when they seized Bangui in March 2013.
Related: Central African Republic facing chronic healthcare crisis as scars of conflict abideRelated: Central African Republic facing chronic healthcare crisis as scars of conflict abide
A transitional government has been in place since early last year, and presidential elections are due in October, though about 10% of the 4.5 million-strong population remains outside the country as refugees.A transitional government has been in place since early last year, and presidential elections are due in October, though about 10% of the 4.5 million-strong population remains outside the country as refugees.
Central African Republic was a major exporter of diamonds until May 2013, when the Kimberly Process banned shipment of its rough diamonds and timber supplanted gemstones as the country’s top export.Central African Republic was a major exporter of diamonds until May 2013, when the Kimberly Process banned shipment of its rough diamonds and timber supplanted gemstones as the country’s top export.
Germany, France and China were the main buyers of timber from Central African Republic, the report said.Germany, France and China were the main buyers of timber from Central African Republic, the report said.
“Diamonds and timber are not able to be exploited in a sustainable way that will support peace,” said Alexandra Pardal, a Global Witness campaign leader.“Diamonds and timber are not able to be exploited in a sustainable way that will support peace,” said Alexandra Pardal, a Global Witness campaign leader.
“People are losing out in this country, even though it’s one of the most resource-rich places on earth.”“People are losing out in this country, even though it’s one of the most resource-rich places on earth.”
At least 5,000 people have been killed and nearly a million displaced since the conflict began.At least 5,000 people have been killed and nearly a million displaced since the conflict began.
In a statement on Tuesday, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) voiced concern at the interim government’s decision to exclude about 460,000 Central African refugees – an estimated 40% of whom would be eligible to vote – from October’s election.In a statement on Tuesday, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) voiced concern at the interim government’s decision to exclude about 460,000 Central African refugees – an estimated 40% of whom would be eligible to vote – from October’s election.
It remains unsafe for the refugees, the majority of whom are Muslims, to return to CAR, the UNHCR said.It remains unsafe for the refugees, the majority of whom are Muslims, to return to CAR, the UNHCR said.