Conflict in Congo, diamonds at root of issues
30 October 2008
The Democratic Republic of Congo produces more than $2 Billion worth of diamonds annually, but 90% of its population, 60 million people, lives in poverty.
It has been all over the news recently about the resurgence of violence in Congo. Below are excerpts from an an AP article that appeared on Yahoo News.
“Firing wildly, Congolese soldiers commandeered cars, taxis and motorbikes Wednesday in a retreat from advancing rebel fighters, joining tens of thousands of terrified refugees struggling to stay ahead of the violence.”
“Fears have grown of a wider war that could drag in Congo’s neighbors. Congo suffered back-to-back wars from 1996 to 2002 that embroiled eight African nations and became a rush at the country’s vast mineral wealth.”
Wealth and power are the driving forces behind the conflict. The diamond trade in Congo is most certainly at the root of the country’s issues. The Congo was one of the first countries to sign on to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). KPCS was designed with the best intentions, but is a voluntary program that is impossible to enforce.
Concerned consumers should look beyond just “conflict-free” to purchase gems they can truly feel good about. Canadian diamonds and lab-created offer alternatives. Contact us at C5 to learn more.
