Sierra leone's history behind blood diamonds book

Sierra leones government is auctioning off the second largest diamond ever discovered in the country with the promise that a majority of the proceeds will benefit development projectswhich it. That diamond changed and ended many lives, and the story of that stone carries a strong social message. Sierra leone blood diamond rebels found guilty of war. Id read books about the colonial scramble for africa, about the exploitation of its ivory, rubber and gold, but to learn the history of diamonds was to learn the story of africa all over again. Taylor was the liberian president who was accused by united nation in 2000. Diamonds that come from conflict areas like those from sierra leone aptly called blood diamonds accounts for about five per cent of global output. The remix version of grammywinning song diamonds from sierra leone performed by american artist kanye west, has verses that detail the blood diamond trade in sierra leone, and comments about the western public unawareness of the origins of the diamonds linked to the conflict. May 23, 20 sierra leones 11yearlong civil war was fuelled by blood diamonds, and today it is estimated that tens of thousands of young men continue to seek a living by hunting diamonds. Feb 25, 2009 sierra leone blood diamond rebels found guilty of war crimes three senior sierra leone rebel leaders notorious for ordering their troops to chop off opponents hands were convicted on wednesday. Apr 05, 2018 a chronology of key events in the history of sierra leone from 1787 to the present. The trade in the conflict or blood diamonds of africa, including those from sierra leone, was banned by the world diamond council in january of 2003 when the the kimberley process certification scheme, or kpcs, was created to fulfill an international certification system strictly regulating the export and import of diamonds, to introduce legislation in all countries to accept only officially. But if you are asking whether director edward zwick drew on actual events to inspire his film, the answer is yes. After it was recognized that unita used the money from the sales of diamonds to fund. It is not in a true sense a story of the lives of these men.

Until the middle of the civil war, the country also exported other. A message from a blood diamond victim sierra leones. They are mined and sold by rebel armies such as the revolutionary united front largely to finance the purchase of arms, arms that will be used in the attempted toppling of legitimate, internationally recognized governments. Journalist greg campbell leads the reader down the international diamond trail of brutality, horror, and profit providing an ontheground and inthemines story of global consequencefirst discovered in 1930, the diamonds of sierra leone have funded one of the most savage rebel campaigns in modern history. And recently, the term blood diamonds has become commonplace, representing the fact that many armed conflicts in africa have been funded by the sale of diamonds. Sierra leone was in the grips of a bloody civil war from 1991 until 2002. Blood diamonds and millions of other books are available for instant access. Sierra leones foreign investment boom, mainly in iron ore and diamond mines but also in roads and new homes, has created. Rebels used civilians to unearth the gems, they later sell to buy more weapons. Despite its mineral wealth in diamonds, titanium, gold, bauxite and rutile, a large proportion of the population are impoverished. Sierra leone blood diamond rebels found guilty of war crimes three senior sierra leone rebel leaders notorious for ordering their troops to chop. Pastor in sierra leone has recently unearthed the secondlargest diamond in the countrys history.

Sierra leones diamonds still a source of contention. Diamonds were found in the early 1930s, from 1934 to 1956 the sierra leone selection trust slst held the monopoly for mining, prospecting for and marketing diamonds throughout sierra leone. Internal conflict crippled the country from the late 1980s onward, culminating in a brutal civil war that took place from 1991 to 2002. Blood diamonds, child soldiers and cannibalism, 19912002 history of. Aug 29, 2015 us national arrested on sierra leone blood diamond charges. The road to kosovo was a finalist for the colorado nonfiction book of the year for 1999. The interreligious council of sierra leone estimated that 77% of sierra leone s population are muslims, 21% are christians, and 2% are followers of traditional african religion. List of books and articles about sierra leone history. Mar 25, 2017 and, given the governments history of corruption, why go by the book to sell the gem when so many of the diamonds unearthed in sierra leone wind up on the black market. Although diamond mining in sierra leone is no longer the bloody affair of a long civil war, it is still a grim business. Sierra leone s diamonds still a source of contention blood diamonds, as they were once known, helped fuel atrocities in both sierra leone and neighboring liberia. Although most of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture, sierra leone is also a mining centre. Civil war in sierra leone and the role of blood diamonds.

Dec 11, 2006 the sordid history behind africas conflict diamonds blood diamond shows how industry leaders turned a blind eye to the atrocities funded by their policies. This clip which i segment produced takes a look at the impact of conflict diamonds in sierra leone. But without question, the story of sierra leone, and its destruction on behalf of the world s symbols of peace and love, is one that deserves the broad audience that hollywood can deliver. With a strong survival instinct, he has made himself a key player in the business of conflict diamonds. The illegal trade of diamonds from sierra leone to liberia helped to fuel the war from 1991 until 2002. The conflict in sierra leone essay 3259 words 14 pages.

This issue has now spread to other countries in africa as well. These blood diamonds are smuggled out of west africa and sold to legitimate diamond merchants in london, antwerp, and new york, often with the complicity of the international diamond industry. Blood diamonds are mined and then sold to finance corrupt regimes or warlords. These blood diamonds are smuggled out of west africa and sold to legitimate. The precious stones paid for the rebels weapons, inspiring the 2006 leonardo dicaprio blockbuster blood diamond. Sierra leone officials say they are worried the blood diamond movie, about the war in sierra leone in 1999, will actually hurt the country as it rebuilds its diamond industry. Liberia supported sierra leones rebels by supplying weapons and a retreat for rebels to stay for safety. The revolutionary united front ruf was a rebel army that fought a failed elevenyear war in sierra leone, starting in 1991 and ending in 2002. Jennifer diggins offers a dynamic account of postwar sierra leone, through the examination of a precarious frontier economy and those who depend on it. Another latest conflict diamond statistic from statistic brain, revealed that sierra leone has been listed as second highest in the production of conflict diamonds. Pastor discovers 706carat diamond in sierra leone village.

A fisherman, a smuggler, and a syndicate of businessmen match wits over the possession of a priceless diamond. From sas to blood diamond wars is actually a book about three men. The cash that it earned was used to finance the war. Although the exact date that blood diamonds have been a problem is not known, it is thought to have become a prominent issue around the 1980s. Diamond miners in sierra leone sifting through the sand in search of diamonds. How a 709carat diamond in sierra leone changed everything. If you are asking whether the film is a sort of documentary, the answer is no. They are called either blood diamonds or the much less evocative term, conflict diamonds.

The three most senior surviving leaders, issa sesay, morris kallon and augustine gbao, were convicted in february 2009 of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Aug 05, 2010 sierra leone s civil war was long and brutal but, writes soas fellow dr david harris exclusively for channel 4 news, the issue of diamonds needs to be kept in perspective. Dec 14, 2011 from sas to blood diamond wars is actually a book about three men. Blood diamonds also called conflict diamonds, brown diamonds, hot diamonds, or red diamonds are diamonds mined in a war zone and sold to finance an insurgency, an invading army s war efforts, or a warlord s activity. Decadepast sierra leones blood diamonds afrika news.

It is bordered by the atlantic ocean in the west, by guinea in the north and east, and by liberia in the south. Though the commander on the ground, brigadier david richards, never received official authorization from london for the project, within six weeks he and his men did the. May 21, 2012 sierra leone blood diamonds not forever. New york, usa, 2 may 2007 theres no end to cliches about diamonds. Assets project and how it could be applied to postconflict development in sierra leone. The conflict, which has rocked the industry in recent years, may reach fever pitch this month with the release of the movie blood diamond. I am worried the film may be detrimental to the industry in sierra leone, said mohamed swaray deen, minister of mineral resources, told the reuters news service. Its land yields diamonds, gold, bauxite, and rutile titanium dioxide. These awful facts about blood diamonds will make your.

It is extremely arduous work in waterfilled pits, swarmed by black flies, often for nothing but a bowl of rice a day, as is the case for ibrahim bondo, in the. The sierra leonean diamond funded the most notorious, brutal, animalistic and cynical rebel groups ever to have been known in the history of mankind and warfare. Partnerships have formed between vendors and the rebels, which has increased sierra leone s prosperity. The ruf was a highly barbaric, taking villages by heavy artillery to gather men for sifting through infested lakes, rivers and digging to find diamonds.

Behind the coastal belt is a wooded plateau average elevation. Blood diamonds by greg campbell is the eyeopening story revealing the. The coastline is broken by numerous estuaries and has some wide, sandy beaches. Inside the war provides readers with an detailed overview of the 19912002 civil cluding descriptions of sierra leones culture and prewar history, a yearbyyear account of the civil war, and narratives from 30 people who describe their experiences as both civilians and fighters. Apr 25, 2017 civil war in sierra leone and the role of blood diamonds the civil war in sierra leone has been one of the most grotesque ones in history, and the nations rich diamond reserves have driven much of the violence. The true story of the events that inspired the feature film blood diamond first discovered in 1930, the diamonds of sierra leone have funded. First discovered in 1930, the diamonds of sierra leone have funded one of the most savage rebel campaigns in modern history. Sierra leone was a rare case of the blair doctrine bearing fruit.

Sierra leoneas diamond industry is hurt by blood diamond movie. What is the history behind blood diamonds sierra leone. They can come from angola, sierra leone, cote divoire, liberia, or the congo. From abidjan i covered some twenty countries in western and central africa, traveling and writing stories on everything from wars to hivaids to politics and human interest stories. The story is interesting fiction, but it is based upon facts. Angolan journalist given suspended jail term over blood diamonds book. Mar 17, 20 life after diamonds highlights the destruction and challenges faced in mining communities in the postwar diamondiferous regions in sierra leone. Diamonds move from blood to sweat and tears the new york. A story following archer, a man tortured by his roots. Tracing the deadly path of the worlds most precious stones 9780465029914. Sierra leone is one of the several subsaharan african countries where the presence of natural resources has resulted in political turmoil, violent conflict, and extreme underdevelopment. The name diamond comes from the greek word, adamas meaning unconquerable.

The blood diamond movie may have made it seem like the only country affected by this conflict or blood diamond fiasco is sierra leone. Is blood diamond 2006 movie a true story based on the. First discovered in 1930, the diamonds of sierra leone have funded. The eastern half of the country is mostly mountainous and includes bintimane peak, sierra leones loftiest point 6,390 ft1,948 m, located near the guinea border. The book was used as a primary resource for the filmmakers, but he was not involved in production. Dec 05, 2017 diamonds fueled a decadelong civil war in sierra leone, ending in 2002, in which rebels forced civilians to mine the stones and bought weapons with the proceeds, leading to the term blood diamonds. Campbell, a freelance writer, sets out to rub the noses of diamondlovers in the gore of sierra leones brutal civil war 19912001, in which a rebel army of. More correctly, it is the story of how the brilliant careers of penfold, norman and marafano came to an end. Will sierra leones peace diamond benefit the poor or. The movie blood diamond traces the path of a large pink diamond found in sierra leone in the 1990s by a fisherman working as a slave in a rebelcontrolled diamond mine. Organised mining began in the 1920s with bauxite first being recorded in 1920 along the falaba to waia road.

Based on this act, it violated 1991 bicesse accords. Diamonds and conflict in sierra leone diamonds since their initial discovery in sierra leone in 1932, the country has exported more than 32 million carats of diamonds. In certain ways the movie weve made is very conventional, an action drama about three. Blood diamonds, child soldiers and cannibalism, 19912002 history of terror venter, al j on. Democratic republic of congo 2000 army claims that rwandan and ugandan troops have massacred civilians around the diamond area in the east of the country. Eleanor massah is a civil war amputee in sierra leone and was 9 yrs old when she lost her leg in a landmine incident. Fittingly diamonds are made of pure carbon, and diamonds are the hardest natural substance known to man.

As sierra leone sheds its image of war and blood diamonds the bbcs mark doyle visits the east of the country to see how investment is helping transform lives. The rebels were making their citizens mine for diamonds as slaves. Us national arrested on sierra leone blood diamond charges. Most of sierra leone s ethnic groups are muslim majority, including the country s two largest ethnic groups. It later developed into a political party, which still exists today. Kono was a good place to begin, not just because it is sierra leones main diamond mining province, but also because of its history. At one point, he takes the readers focus to a city in sierra leone. In sierra leone diamond sale, echoes of corruption and conflict. To understand the value of these stones, and ultimately their role in war, it helps to first understand their origins and where they come form.

Despite this, according to amnesty international, the modern blood diamonds or conflict diamonds have a history in the democratic republic of congo, angola, zimbabwe, and sierra leone. Stevens was the only delegate who refused to sign sierra leone s declaration of independence, on the grounds that there had been a secret defencepact between sierra leone and britain. Blood from stones i was doing my monthly expense reports at the washington post s west africa bureau, based in abidjan, ivory coast, on september 11, 2001. Mar 21, 2017 this diamond is the second largest ever discovered in sierra leone, with the largest being the 968. The term is used to highlight the negative consequences of the diamond trade in certain areas, or to label an individual. Nov 23, 2012 sierra leone s diamonds still a source of contention blood diamonds, as they were once known, helped fuel atrocities in both sierra leone and neighboring liberia. Engage your students during remote learning with video readalouds. Blood diamonds, also know as conflict diamonds, captured the world attention in the 1990s during the extremely brutal conflict in sierra leone. Political unrest is rampant in sierra leone as people fight tooth for tooth. Sierra leones war over conflict diamonds began in march 1991 when a few hundred men crossed over the liberian border and attacked towns in eastern and southern sierra leone. Set in sierra leone, a small west african country rich in diamonds. As a result, illicit mining and trading soon increased throughout sierra leone.

The sordid history behind africas conflict diamonds blood diamond shows how industry leaders turned a blind eye to the atrocities funded by their policies. Starting in 1991, liberias neighboring country, sierra leone, started a war against their government. Mar 25, 2017 miners found a 706carat diamond in sierra leone. Blood diamonds not the cause of sierra leone war channel. Both the diamond industry and local government officials have helped the ruf succeed in smuggling blood diamonds into the united states jewelry market by forging package certificates and locations in which these diamonds have been mined. May 21, 2012 as sierra leone sheds its image of war and blood diamonds the bbc s mark doyle visits the east of the country to see how investment is helping transform lives. Tracing the deadly path of the world s most precious stones. A decadepast the dreadful war, sierra leone is trying to break the dark image of blood diamond.