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Zimbabwe's threat to pull out of KPCS
Centre for Research and Development
March 04, 2010

The Centre for Research and Development is deeply concerned with recent announcements made, first by President Mugabe and then by Mines Minister Obert Mpofu concerning Zimbabwe's intentions to pull out of the KPCS if the block continues pushing the country to reform its diamond mining activities in line with minimum standards of the Kimberly Processes Certification Scheme (KPCS). The threat to pull out of KPCS is neither progressive nor productive for Zimbabwe's diamond industry and its economy at large.

The CRD notes that at its plenary held in Swakopmund, Namibia, in November 2009, the KPCS had 75 member states, including the 27 members of the European Community. The membership of the KPCS continues to rise as more countries submit applications to join the scheme. This comes in the wake of improved global efforts to drive 'blood diamonds' out of circulation and ensure that diamonds promote development and economic growth, particularly in developing countries. This is paying dividends in countries such as Botswana, Namibia and South Africa where diamonds contribute immensely to the gross domestic product (GDP). Further, in these countries diamonds have been managed adequately such that there have not been any reports of human rights abuses or illicit smuggling of diamonds. This has given the world hope that indeed where these a commitment to good governance, diamonds can promote development for the benefit of the entire population as opposed to conflict diamonds that benefit a few cartels at the expense of the majority. It is therefore for the good of the Zimbabwean people that Zimbabwe complies with the minimum standards ofthe KPCS.

The pull out threat deals a body blow to international efforts to stop the circulation of conflict diamonds and to ensure a commitment to transparency and accountability by all players in the industry. Though not perfect, the KPCS presents an opportunity for governments and civil society to combine efforts in ensuring that diamonds lead to peace and development. Further, should Zimbabwe pull out of the KPCS, there is likely to be an escalation of gross human rights abuses in Marange diamond fields since there won't be any international regulation to comply with.

The CRD shares the opinion of many Zimbabweans who argue that Marange diamonds are conflict diamonds and are not in any way benefiting Zimbabwe due to corruption and gross human rights abuses taking place in the diamond fields. Since Zimbabwe is not the first country to produce diamonds in the world it is imperative for the country to learn from its more experienced neighbours such as South Africa, Namibia and Botswana where diamonds contribute towards peace and development. The intention to pull out of the KPCS deprives Zimbabwe of an opportunity to learn and develop a sound diamond policy that can turn around Zimbabwe's ailing economy. We strongly urge Minister Obert Mpofu to consult widely before taking any action on Zimbabwe's membership status in the KPCS. We are of the opinion that the only way to bring Zimbabwe's diamonds under control is by making efforts to comply with the KPCS minimum standards. The CRD is ready to offer constructive advice to the Ministry of Mines on the best practices in the diamond industry. Our diamonds are our future!

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