tailieunhanh - Conflict Diamonds - Africa Region Working Paper Series No. 13

The role of banks is integral to any economy. They provide financing for commercial enterprises, access to payment systems, and a variety of retail financial services for the economy at large. Some banks have a broader impact on the macro sector of the economy, facilitating the transmission of monetary policy by making credit and liquidity available in difficult market conditions. 17 The integral role that banks play in the national economy is demonstrated by the almost universal practice of states in regulating the banking industry and providing, in many cases, a government safety net to compensate. | Conflict Diamonds March 2001 Africa Region Working Paper Series No. 13 Abstract Few natural resources have captured the attention of the international community as much as the conflict diamonds that have helped to sustain several African conflicts since the end of the Cold War. This paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the role diamonds play in financing civil wars with a view to enhancing the ability of international organizations to help prevent future conflicts and to provide effective post-conflict assistance in conflict environments characterized by the presence of diamonds. The analysis draws largely on the experiences of Angola Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to the UN Security Council it is from these three countries that conflict diamonds originate. Authors Affiliation and Sponsorship Louis Goreux Consultant Africa Region The World Bank Email Lgoreux@ THE WORKING paper Series The Africa Region Working Paper Series expedites dissemination of applied research and policy studies with potential for improving economic performance and social conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Series publishes papers at preliminary stages to stimulate timely discussion within the Region and amo ng client countries donors and the policy research community. The editorial board for the Series consists of representatives from professional Families appointed by the Region s Sector Directors. Editor in charge of the series Antoine Waldburger AFTM3 Email awaldburger@ who may be contacted for hard copies. For additional information visit the Web site http afr wps . where copies are available in pdf format. The findings interpretations and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the author s . They do not necessarily represent the views of the World Bank Group its Executive Directors or the countries that they represent and should not be attributed to them. Conflict