Zimbabwe's Blood Diamond Killing Fields

Summary

The script recounts the discovery of alluvial diamonds in Zimbabwe and the ensuing turmoil. It details the exploitation of the diamond fields by the military and government, leading to human rights abuses, including massacres and forced labor. The narrative also explores the international implications, with the Kimberley Process under scrutiny for its potential failure to address the crisis, and the involvement of Australian interests in Zimbabwe's diamond trade.

Takeaways

• 🏔️ Life in eastern Zimbabwe remained largely unchanged until the discovery of diamond fields in Marange three years ago.
• 🚨 The area around Marange is heavily controlled by Zimbabwean security forces and is off-limits to outsiders.
• 💎 The Marange diamond fields represent the world's largest find of alluvial diamonds in over 50 years.
• 👦 Children are among those sifting through soil in the diamond fields, hoping to find overlooked stones.
• 🔍 The government of Zimbabwe has been involved in the mining operations, leading to accusations of 'organized theft' from the land.
• 🚫 The government forcibly evicted the British-based mining company that held the mining rights to Marange, seizing its equipment and diamonds.
• 💔 There have been reports of human rights abuses, including violence, shootings, and massacres, allegedly ordered by the highest levels of the Mugabe regime.
• 🛑 Operation 'No Return' was launched to gain control of the diamond fields, leading to a period of atrocities committed by state security agents.
• 💰 The diamond smuggling is rampant, with the military and other syndicates involved in the illegal trade of diamonds across borders.
• 🌍 The Kimberley Process, an international body to stop the trade of conflict diamonds, is under pressure to act against Zimbabwe but has shown reluctance.
• 🔄 Despite legal rulings in favor of the original mining company, the Zimbabwean government continues its mining operations, ignoring property rights and legal precedents.

Q & A

What significant discovery was made in the remote eastern part of Zimbabwe three years ago?

The significant discovery was that some of the rocks in the area were diamonds, marking one of the world's largest finds of alluvial diamonds in over 50 years.

Who is the man referred to as 'Michig' in the script, and what is his role in the story?

Michig is a former policeman turned diamond dealer who agrees to guide the team to the diamond fields, despite the risks involved.

Why is the journey to the diamond fields considered dangerous?

The journey is dangerous because the area is tightly controlled by Zimbabwean security forces, and it is off-limits to outsiders. There is also the risk of encountering soldiers.

What is the significance of the 'Merengue' diamond fields?

Merengue is the site of the world's largest find of alluvial diamonds in more than 50 years, and it is a source of conflict and controversy due to its illegal mining and alleged human rights abuses.

How did the Zimbabwean government become involved in the diamond fields?

The government became involved after evicting the British-based mining company that originally held the mining rights, and then opened the fields to the public and later to military-controlled mining operations.

What is the Kimberley Process, and why is Zimbabwe's membership in it being questioned?

The Kimberley Process is an international body aimed at preventing the trade of conflict diamonds. Zimbabwe's membership is being questioned due to allegations of human rights abuses and illegal diamond mining.

What is the 'Operation No Return', and what was its impact on the diamond fields?

Operation No Return was a military operation launched to gain control over the diamond fields. It resulted in a reported massacre of hundreds of people and the establishment of military-controlled mining syndicates.

How did the diamond fields affect the political landscape in Zimbabwe?

The diamond fields became a source of funding for the government to maintain the loyalty of the army and were used as a means to secure political power during a time of political instability and economic crisis.

What is the role of the military in the diamond mining operations at Merengue?

The military is involved in organizing and controlling the mining operations, as well as allegedly participating in human rights abuses, including violence, shootings, and forced labor.

What is the impact of diamond smuggling on Zimbabwe's economy?

Diamond smuggling is rampant and is estimated to cause the loss of revenue worth more than 50 million US dollars a month, depriving the country of a significant economic resource.

What are the allegations against the Australian government in relation to Zimbabwe's diamond industry?

There are allegations that Australian officials have been working to prevent Zimbabwe's suspension from the Kimberley Process, possibly to protect the interests of Australian company Rio Tinto, which has a significant stake in one of Zimbabwe's diamond mines.