Blood Diamonds in Africa

Introduction

Countries at war have been trading millions of dollars worth of rough diamonds in order to receive goods to support the war. These goods include guns, grenades, fuel, and other military supplies. The Kimberly Process, a way to track diamonds, was put into affect in 2002. Before this time the percentage of global conflict diamonds was somewhere between 4 and 15 percent. Since the Kimberly Process was put into place the percentage of conflict diamonds is less than 1 percent. Although the Kimberly Process is helpful, the United Nations estimates that 23 million dollars worth of conflict diamonds are being smuggled out of Ivory Coast each year. This money is being used by rebels to purchase military supplies. The diamond conflict in Africa affects our lives in many ways. First, on a human level, it is horrifying to see a human being in another country abused or killed over a high demand luxury in America. By buying uncertified diamonds, people are supporting rebels in their violence. Also, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) claim that conflict diamonds have been funding terrorist groups like Al Qaeda. This group has already resorted to terrorism and by receiving money through conflict diamonds they will have the power to attack again (Koizumi2008).

Thesis Statement:

Conflict diamonds have caused problems in the past and continue to do so today. In western Africa in countries such as Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Angola, and Ivory Coast, the people have been surrounded by violence. While the civil war in some of these countries has ended, the problems surrounding conflict diamonds still continue. A conflict diamond is an uncut and unpolished diamond being used for weapons, fuel, and other supplies necessary for waging war.

Discussion

The captivating shimmer of a new diamond is enchanting enough to mesmerize almost any individual. The sparkle can melt ones heart or weaken ones knees. Indeed, it is more often than not the diamond ring presented as a symbol of marriage when an individual bends the knee to propose a shared life of unity. However, this symbol of harmony is frequently a key player in global imbalance and conflict. The diamond, seen by most North Americans as an object of desire, also contributes to the world's economy and the image of Africa and thusly, is not only symbolic of love but also of economic power and prosperity. Unfortunately, or rather sorrowfully, Africa, a continent with a relatively recent discovery of a mass quantity of diamonds, has endured hardship beyond just concede, owed to the unearthing of this unique gem. A sequential exam regarding the history of the diamond and its discovery in Africa must first be summarized in order to grasp the severity of contemporary malice distressing much of the continents populace(Pan 1995).

This crystal, like Africa, has a history. So does its value, which is not intrinsic but culturally prescribed and subscribed to. This is a history continuing to be told, but perhaps told badly, without the legacy of influences and intents that have generated ...