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Learning Center  Conflict Diamonds in Africa Conflict Diamonds in Liberia
Conflict Diamonds | Conflict Diamonds in Liberia | Liberia’s role in the proliferation of blood diamonds has always been more on the “marketing” side rather than the mining aspect. Although diamond mines do exist in areas controlled by rebels, Liberia’s support to rebel groups in other countries was the more critical factor in this story.
When the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels in Sierra Leone started their civil war against the government in 1991, Liberia was known to be behind them at the outset. As a matter of fact, Liberia gave support in the form of weapons, training, logistical support, as well as a safe place where the rebels could retreat to.
In the course of the civil war, the RUF took control of the diamond rich areas in Sierra Leone. Exploiting the civilians and making them work in the mines as slaves and prisoners, the RUF was able to turn out a huge amount of diamonds over the years. Of course, rough diamonds in their hands would have been virtually useless. What they really needed was to convert the gems into cash, which they could then use to purchase guns, ammunitions, and other weapons. Liberia provided what the RUF needed exactly – a means to get the diamonds to those who value them the most. As it was, Liberia became the transit point for smuggled diamonds.
However, Liberia’s role is not limited to supporting Sierra Leone’s RUF. The truth is, neighboring countries wherein conflict exists have found a supporting mentor in Liberia. Civil wars in the Ivory Coast have been, and are being, funded with illegally acquired diamonds which are smuggled into Liberia. These stones then find their way into the European and American markets somehow.
As recent as February 2006, reports have confirmed that conflict diamonds are still coming out of Liberia and being smuggled into other countries for sale. Liberia has not been spared from violence either. They had a bitter civil war that went on for 8 years has killed 200,000 people and displaced even more than that. Based on reports that Amnesty International and Global Witness, there are still areas in Liberia which are controlled by rebels and wherein blood diamonds are still being mined and traded. In their estimation, as much as 300,000 carats of blood diamonds are being mined each year. This would amount to about $25 Million in revenue each year. This money is then converted into weapons and ammunitions which are used to perpetrate even more violence.
Worse, the infamous terrorist group al-Quaida has been known to have links with Liberia. They are said to have illegal operations there concerning blood diamonds. This is in fact one of the reasons for the increased awareness and action in the US regarding the sale of blood diamonds.
The UN has included Liberia in its sanctions against the trade of diamonds from areas of conflict. Despite this, however, blood diamonds seem to continue to be traded. Some progress has been achieved there is no doubt about that. However, there is still a long way to go in completely stemming the flow of this horrible trade.
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Readers Comments Add Your Comments
 | scotland
be a part of the world who fight to stop this and ? where has ur diamond came from .
if in doubt dnt wear one simple as that .once people are aware it will stop .x
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