Gabriel Shumba, a human rights lawyer and member of the so-called Zimbabwe Blood Diamonds Campaign, gave this interview to Rough&Polished.
Your organization, the Zimbabwe Blood Diamonds Campaign, has been highly critical of the southern African nation’s mining of Marange gems despite KP paving the way (though limited) for the auctioning of the country’s diamonds. Can you explain why?
The Zim Blood Diamonds Campaign has been critical for the main reason that the KP allowed Zimbabwe to sell diamonds in spite of the fact that the KP Working Group's recommendations had not been met. For example, the required demilitarisation of the Marange fields has not been complied with to date, and this has led to massive human rights violations taking place.
Over 500 people have been killed, thousands tortured and subjected to forced labour, yet others have been raped and there is rampant smuggling of rough diamonds into Mozambique and countries as far afield as Dubai, Lebanon and China. For the KP Monitor to have recommended that the 2 auctions continue in such an environment means only that he was either not aware of the conditions on the ground, or that he deliberately turned a blind eye to those conditions for one reason or another. We are also greatly concerned about the KP Monitor's role in the arrest of human rights defender and whistleblower, Farai Maguwu.
Although the ZBDC would like to see the diamonds from Marange benefitting the country, what is scary is the potential for a blood bath the gems pose for Zimbabwe as the security forces remain at the centre of their extraction. This is more so as the country faces elections next year, and we therefore continue to hope that the KP will respect its own standards as it continues to point the microscope on Zimbabwe.
The US based Rapaport Diamond Trading Network (RapNet) cautioned its members against trading in stones mined from the Marange diamond fields despite receiving a green light from the Kimberley Process. What is your comment?
We are in full support of the view that the diamonds from Marange do not meet with the KP criteria.
Do foreign companies take part in Zimbabwe’s diamond mining?
Of course, the Russians are reportedly exploiting diamonds at Roy Bennet's Farm. Canadile is a mine registered outside Zimbabwe, though recently it has been reported that some of the mines involved in exploiting the resources are fronts for senior political figures such as Grace Mugabe and some in the security forces.
Are there any strategic buyers chosen or it is a matter of whoever is interested in the local gems can do the bidding?
The auctions meant that those interested would bid. Let's not forget however that as a result of the smuggling, there are a lot of diamonds that are sold to people, governments and organisations without conscience that are seen as strategic.
Is there any influence of the diamond industry on the convalescing of the country's infrastructure?
Not yet, though we hope that mechanisms for transparency in the industry will ensure sufficient input in the national fiscus.
What is the current diamond output and export levels in Zimbabwe?
I am not sure as the whole industry has been shrouded in secrecy.
Reports say Zimbabwe granted a mining claim to a Chinese firm called Anjin to mine diamonds at Marange. What is your comment on this?
Tenders have been awarded in violation of court orders and we are therefore not surprised.
There are also allegations of a barter trade between Zimbabwe and China, with the former supplying diamonds in exchange for arms. What is your comment?
It would be extremely regrettable if China had a role in spilling the blood of innocent civilians in Zimbabwe's next elections. If it does have a role, the UN Security Council would need to investigate it.
What is the future of diamond mining in Zimbabwe like?
Very bright if KP standards are observed, but potentially corrupt and devastating if we remain on the road that we are travelling on.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Rough&Polished, from Zimbabwe
