Does Liberia sell weapons to Sierra Leone for diamonds?
Clearly, the diamonds exported from Liberia were smuggled from Sierra Leone, many by supporters of the RUF. The money earned from the sale of these diamonds bought weapons and ammunition for the RUF.
Is Blood diamond Real?
Blood diamonds (also called conflict diamonds, brown diamonds, hot diamonds, or red diamonds) are diamonds mined in a war zone and sold to finance an insurgency, an invading army’s war efforts, or a warlord’s activity.
Does Sierra Leone still have blood diamonds?
Despite its promises to surrender its forces, RUF never did. Now Sierra Leone is once again battling RUF, and control over the diamond mines is still at the center of the conflict. Ultimately as a result, the UN has issued a ban on nongovernmental diamonds for Sierra Leone.
Does Blood diamond still happen?
In 2006, Leonardo DiCaprio made the term “Blood Diamonds” a household phrase. A lot has been done to address the issue of blood diamonds and conflict diamonds since then, but unfortunately, we still have a ways to go. The diamond trade is an 81 billion dollars industry with 65% of mined diamonds coming from Africa.
Who did the RUF sell diamonds to?
It has been alleged that diamonds obtained by RUF rebels were taken to Mr. Taylor in Liberia who in turn supplied them with arms and ammunition.
What did the RUF do in Sierra Leone?
The RUF is a loosely organized force that fought a ten-year civil war to seize control of the lucrative diamond-producing regions of the country. The group funds itself largely through the extraction and sale of diamonds obtained in areas of Sierra Leone under its control.
What was the role of diamonds in Sierra Leone?
The major focus of the RUF and AFRC campaign was to take control of the country’s diamond mines. The diamond mines have been the source of corruption and personal gain by government personnel since the 1930’s. The DeBeers diamond company once financed mining efforts in Sierra Leone and provided a legal export trade route for the valuable gems.
Why was there a civil war in Sierra Leone?
The Civil War in Sierra Leone has been one of the most grotesque ones in history, and the nation’s rich diamond reserves have driven much of the violence. Diamond miners in Sierra Leone sifting through the sand in search of diamonds.
Who was the vice president of Sierra Leone?
RUF and the government of Sierra Leone signed the Lome Peace Accord on March 27, 1999. The commander of RUF, Foday Sankoh, took the position of Vice President of the country and was given control of the national diamond mines as part of the negotiation.
What are the natural resources of Sierra Leone?
The most prevalent natural resource in Sierra Leone is the diamond. The major focus of the RUF and AFRC campaign was to take control of the country’s diamond mines. The diamond mines have been the source of corruption and personal gain by government personnel since the 1930’s.