Blood Diamonds
latest news & developments
Sierra Leone’s ‘peace diamond’ dividend slow in coming
The idea of handing the diamond over to the government to sell was that it would generate money to be put back into developing the local community
Liberia’s Taylor awaits verdict in blood diamond trial
Liberian former leader Charles Taylor awaits a verdict on charges of arming Sierra Leone’s rebels in return for "blood diamonds" in the 1990s.
Black market dirties Zimbabwe diamond fields
The funeral of a gem dealer has revealed the illicit trade of diamonds in Zimbabwe has gone underground and may be propping up Zanu-PF cronies.
Report: Mugabe’s loyalists squirrelling diamond money
Global Witness has said mining officials loyal to President Robert Mugabe are stashing profits from Zimbabwe’s diamond fields off shore.
US imposes sanctions on two Zim diamond miners
Two Zimbabwean diamond companies operating in the controversial Marange fields have been added to the US’ list of sanctioned entities.
Kimberley Process left in the lurch over diamond dispute
Global Witness has left the Kimberley Process after a series of disagreements, including the resumption of sales of Zimbabwe’s Marange diamonds.
Indian jewellers eye import of Zim ‘blood diamonds’
Indian officials say imports of gems from Zimbabwe, once banned as "blood diamonds", could begin within weeks.
Zim to get huge diamond boost but activists irate
Zimbabwe could earn billions of dollars selling diamonds from an area scarred by abuse after a crisis that left the "blood diamond" watchdog tattered.
Court finds Ractliffe not guilty in diamonds case
Former Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund trustee Jeremy Ractliffe was on Wednesday found not guilty on a charge of possession of uncut diamonds.
Ractliffe pleads not guilty in uncut-diamonds case
Former Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund trustee Jeremy Ractliffe on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to a charge of possession of uncut diamonds.
Ractliffe case disrupted by power failure
The case of former Mandela Children’s Fund trustee Jeremy Ractliffe, who faces charges relating to uncut diamonds, has been postponed.
Ambivalence feeds Zimbabwe’s diamond tyranny
SA and SADC cannot ignore the tight link between Zanu-PF’s behaviour and its control of Marange
Ractliffe case postponed
The case of former Mandela Children’s Fund trustee Jeremy Ractliffe, who faces charges relating to the possession of uncut diamonds, was postponed.
Charles Taylor’s war crimes trial closes
Liberian ex-president Charles Taylor’s trial for arming Sierra Leone rebels who paid him in blood diamonds closed on Friday.
Mugabe being helped by diamond industry
The global diamond industry has controversially cleared the way for President Robert Mugabe’s regime to raise millions of dollars from exports.