Conflict in Sierra Leone
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Diamonds


Diamonds in Sierra Leone

Diamonds are one of the main issues fueling the war in Sierra Leone. Rufugees mining diamonds are selling and trading with companines to get money for weapons. These diamonds used in illicit trading are called Conflict Diamonds. Rough diamond caches are used to finance arms purchases and other illegal activities by rebels.

What is a Conflict Diamond?

Conflict diamonds are diamonds that come from areas controlled by forces that are opposed to internationally recognized governments. Those diamonds are then used to fund military action in opposition to those governments.

What's being done to stop this?

Up to this day in time all diamond mining and trading licenses have been revoked and all diamond trading activities outlawed. However, much of the diamond region is in the hands of RUF rebels who will not halt their mining operations, but then again it used to be much worse.
Young boys mining for diamondsboys mining for diamonds

How can you tell the differnece between a Legitimate Diamond And A conflict Diamond?

Legitimate diamonds are diamonds whose origins come from government controlled areas. To distinquish the two diamonds you must search the origins. In order to do this you might have a standardized certificate among diamond exporting countries; transparency; auditing and monitoring of the regime and new legislation against those who do not comply. Neighboring countries can be used as trading grounds for illicit diamonds. After diamonds have reached the market, their origin is difficult to trace.

Ambassador Juan Larrain, Chairman of the Monitoring Mechanism on sanctions against UNITA.



"It has been said that war is the price of peace… Angola and Sierra Leone have already paid too much. Let them live a better life."

::[ Sierra Leone ]::