Central African Republic's diamonds have fueled political wars, leaving the country divided and its once thriving diamond trade banned from world markets.
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The 10 months of Seleka rule, under Michel Djotodia, were characterized by fear and pillage, from the countryside to Bangui.
“Throughout the period in which the Seleka controlled the capital, looting of houses, shops and medical centers reached endemic levels,” said
IPIS, a Belgian research firm, in a report released November 24. “In their advance through the central and western parts of the country, Seleka forces again systematically plundered villages and towns, sometimes even razing entire villages to the ground.”
Seleka groups retreated from the capital into the countryside. But they retained swaths of territory in the country’s north and center.