Jahde Smith Conflict Diamonds in Liberia

Diamonds are a natural resource very commonly found in parts of South Africa, such as Angola and the Mano River Union states of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. They are very famous because of their history dating back to India between the 9th, and the 18th century from India was from alluvial deposits along river banks. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 19th century that India’s alluvial diamond deposits were depleted and South Africa began to mine them from inside the earth. Today diamonds are mostly mined from deep within the earth, but they used to be carried along the river beds and streams of India. After the consistent exploitation of the alluvial deposits in India over a few hundred years, this country is no longer in abundant in diamonds resources because of all the alluvial Deposits.

Conflict Diamonds in Liberia In the last couple of decades conflict levels has risen to drastic levels. They have been countless heinous crimes. Liberia has been a tool and vector point for the illegal diamond trade since the 1950s, and the concept of "blood diamonds" was partially a Liberian creation. Blood Diamonds is a term that is Blood Diamonds, also known as “Conflict Diamonds” are stones that are produced in areas controlled by rebel forces that are opposed to internationally recognized governments. The rebels sell these diamonds, and the money is used to purchase arms or to fund their military actions. Blood Diamonds are often produced through the forced labor of men, women and children. They are also stolen during shipment or seized by the military.

Conflict Diamonds in Liberia Blood Diamonds are very dangerous because of the fact that they put so many lives in danger. Children and women are the most affected by this diamond conflict because they are forced to work for no pay. Children are stopped for school Conflict diamonds have fueled devastating conflicts in Liberia and other African countries that have resulted in the death and displacement of millions of people.

Conflict Diamonds in Liberia From the discovery of diamonds in Liberia and Sierra Leone's Mano River basin in the 1930s, regional diamond production has been limited to small-scale artisanal operations, taking place within alluvial diamond-bearing rocks and gravels located in drainage basins, or along the banks of Liberia's many rivers and tributaries. Although most all of western Liberia's rivers carry diamonds, the Mano River has been Liberia's most significant source. The Mano River basin is part of the geological formation known as the "Mano Craton of West Africa".

Conflict Diamonds in Liberia This UNITA soldier, here awaiting demobilization, was recruited at age 11. Vila Nova, Angola, UNICEF / HQ / Giacomo Pirozzi

Conflict Diamonds in Liberia This seventeen-year- old lost both hands to rebels’ machetes. Waterloo camp, Sierra Leone, UNICEF / HQ / Giacomo Pirozzi

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