The African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) claims that although the recently concluded Kimberley Process plenary meeting held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, was “robust and successful”, it was compromised by an "aggressive minority's" attempt to politicise the agenda of the gathering by incorporating geopolitical matters that extend beyond the KP mandate.
ADPA, which is headquartered in Luanda, Angola, told Rough & Polished that the 2023 KP Plenary was unable to approve its final communiqué.
“This incitement of no consensus was dictated by the needs of the minorities to push the G7 initiatives, as the KPCS does not seem to correspond to their broader geopolitical agenda,” it said.
New G7 sanctions on Russian diamonds are expected early next year.
Meanwhile, ADPA said that African diamond producers will continue to defend the KP and reject any unilateral efforts to replace it.
It said that the United Nations is the most qualified tribunal for geopolitical matters unrelated to the diamond industry.
ADPA also said that it is crucial to maintain the integrity of the KP and its founding principles as it progresses.
This, it said, will guarantee that the process remains efficient in its fight against the trade of conflict diamonds while avoiding any unnecessary distractions from matters outside its purview.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
