Conflict Diamonds And The Kimberly Process: Part I

Last year I blogged Does the Blood Diamond Scheme Really Work. Global Witness had reported that the Kimberly Process could be failing because loopholes had been discovered in the process. Now there seems to be another break in the system. What is a blood or conflict diamond? The Kimberly Process (KP) defines them as diamonds mined for the purpose of fueling some sort of unsanctioned war or conflict.

This definition is now a problem and of all the countries to redefine this is Zimbabwe. The country is home to the Marange diamond fields which is a small scale diamond producing mine since the 1980s when it was owned by DeBeers.

Zimbabwe’s “Unity” Government Not Working

The deadlock between the power-sharing government of Zimbabwe seems like it will never end. Long time President, Robert Mugabe and head of the Zanu-PF political party seem not able to put differences aside with his Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, head of the MDC. Both sides have complaints against the other, while nothing is being resolved or compromised.

MDC Boycotts Cabinet Meeting

Zimbabwe’s former opposition party, the MDC, boycotted a cabinet meeting with President Robert Mugabe yesterday.  Cabinet meetings with the President are typically held on Tuesdays, however since Mugabe will be traveling to Libya today for the African Union Summit, the meeting was pushed forward.

Obama meets with Tsvangirai

Zimbabwe Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai has been traveling virtually the world for the last two months.  His focus has been to talk with leaders and assure them that investing in Zimbabwe is much needed even if it is just for the survival of his people.