The truth about Sierra Leone

I recently witnessed the plight of the people of Sierra Leone, through Chief Benja V, crying out for help from the Diamond industry to teach them how to realise their potential through development. This could happen but the "diamonds from Africa fund war" voice, which is gathering a belated momentum, could stop much of this development before the opportunity even takes hold. The appearance of Chief Benja V at the International Diamond conference made international news:

Sierra Leone political leader Chief Mohammed Dhaffie Benya V knows about "conflict diamonds." He has witnessed first-hand the destructive effects of "conflict diamonds," but also knows that a legitimate diamond trade can also bring prosperity to his country.

Chief Benya V is from the Eastern Region of Sierra Leone where over 75% of the nation's diamonds are produced. As Chairman of the Council of Paramount Chiefs of the Eastern Region of Sierra Leone, he was the keynote speaker at the third annual International Diamond Conference (IDC) at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 301 Park Avenue in New York City.

"Conflict diamonds have gotten a great deal of attention around the world recently," said Martin Rapaport, publisher of the industry Diamond Report. "Hip-hop entertainer Kanye West, as well as politicians and movie celebrities, are using the issue of 'blood diamonds' from Sierra Leone and elsewhere in Africa to sell records and videos, but are they really portraying what is happening?" he asked.

The bottom line for us at Diamond.ie is that the voice against conflict diamonds is good to the extent that it has awakened the diamond industry to take responsibility and change. The war in Sierra Leone ended January 2000 and the diamond industry is changing so fast that it is one of the most exciting markets to be involved in right now. The fact remains that if any major diamond company (and there are only 5!) was found to be selling conflict diamonds their business would be ruined over night. Why would they do that?

Learn more about the wonderful country of Sierra Leone