WDC: Stop Natural Resources Theft in Zimbabwe

The World Diamond Council said on Wednesday that it is concerned by reports that diamonds are smuggled out of Zimbabwe. On Monday, Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen accused Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe of profiting from illegal diamond trade.

Saying it is appalled and dismayed at the humanitarian crisis in the country, the WDC expressed concern that “some natural resources in the country, including a small number of diamonds, are reportedly being exported illegally for the personal gain of a few.”

According to the WDC, Zimbabwe’s diamond production is estimated at 0.4 percent of world production. In 2007, the country produced 695,016 carats worth $31.4 million, according to official figures published by the Kimberley Process.

The majority of the country’s production is reportedly exported legitimately through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. Some goods are however smuggled out to neighboring countries by traders that by them artisanal diggers.

The Council said it finds it unacceptable that even a small volume is being traded illegally.

“The international diamond industry has already taken action and is providing customs authorities, diamond bourses and the Chair of the Kimberley Process with expert instruction and photographic examples to assist in identifying the type of diamonds being illegally exported, and several parcels of rough diamonds have been successfully seized,” the WDC said. “However, we call upon these authorities and other governments to redouble their efforts and bring those responsible to justice.”

Global diamond exchange members have been instructed to exercise caution and inform the authorities of suspect parcels. “Furthermore, industry organizations have reminded their members that they risk expulsion if they are proven to be trading in these illegal diamonds.”

At a meeting Monday, foreign ministers of the European Union expanded travel sanctions set on Zimbabwean officials. French President Nicolas Sarkozy called on Zimbabwe's President Mugabe to resign.

The country’s population is facing a cholera epidemic, continuing violence and runaway inflation that has prevented it from functioning normally.