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Courtesy of Les Stroud’s Survive!

 

 

Shannon Wong

Did the world’s fascination with diamonds contribute to the violence in Sierra Leone?  Was it also responsible for prolonging the civil war in Sierra Leone from 1991 – 2002?  Can artists like Kanye West help raise awareness?  I think world demand for diamonds fueled and prolonged the conflict in Sierra Leone.  Famous singers can bring attention to this neglected part of the world through their songs. 

 

Conflict diamonds are also known as blood diamonds.  These diamonds are mined in Sierra Leone and sold to finance the civil war which lasted from 1991 – 2002.  Some other countries involved in the trade of conflict diamonds include: Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Liberia.

 

Sierra Leone has had a troubled past highlighted by an insurrection mounted against the government by the RUF (Revolutionary United Front) and led by ex-army corporal, Foday Sankoh. The RUF was engaged in conflict with the NPRC, the National Provisional Ruling Council, for control of the diamond mines in Sierra Leone.  Much of RUF's violent activity was financed from the sale of conflict or 'blood diamonds' that were sold through networks created by Sankoh's relationship with Liberian president Charles Taylor.

 

It is estimated that about a half-million people were victims of killings, systematic mutilation and other atrocities in Sierra Leone's 1991-2002 war.  Rebels wielded their machetes to maim thousands of victims, chopping off hands, legs, lips, ears and breasts.  Demand for illicit diamonds on the international market fueled the conflict and kept both sides well armed. 

 

Although diamonds have no intrinsic value since they are nothing but compressed carbon emerging from the earth’s crust, Western culture has long promoted diamonds as a symbol of everlasting love.  The scarcity of high grade diamonds and their constant demand have kept prices high, which makes mining and trafficking very profitable. 

 

Sierra Leone happens to be rich in diamonds and this valuable natural resource has become a curse rather than a blessing.  Without diamonds to fund the purchase of weapons for both sides, the conflict would not have lasted for a decade.  Furthermore, control of the diamond mines represented a cash source for acquiring more weapons. 

 

Others may argue that the conflict would have gone on even without conflict diamonds.  In 1991, world attention was on the Gulf War in the Middle East.  In 1993 and 1994, anarchy in Somalia and genocide in Rwanda overwhelmed the ability of the UN to cope with further outbreaks of violence in Africa.  The international community did not intervene in Sierra Leone until January 2002. 

 

However, for an impoverished country like Sierra Leone, all sides in the conflict were energized by the prize of these valuable diamonds which not only procured weapons, but also bought political favours and bribed government officials.  Without diamonds to acquire the heavy weapons, the death toll would not have been as high and the fighting would not have been sustained for as long. 

 

Kanye West’s high profile as a celebrity can focus the spotlight on any issue that no other person can.  Most people have not been aware of the conflict in Sierra Leone until they heard his song which came out in 2005.  Although the war had ended in 2002, it was still a worthwhile effort to educate and inform the public about the evil of blood diamonds.  None of the people who profiteered from diamond trafficking ever had to confront the horrors of the conflict that they helped finance.  None of the victims who were killed or maimed in the conflict would ever see the value of diamonds for what they represent in our society. 

 

Perhaps, Kanye’s motive was self-promotion and to increase his record sales.  He might have thought he would become more popular for being a social activist and taking up causes for people in poor African countries.  It is ironic that many hip-hop and rap artists are big fans of flashy jewelry and diamond accessories. 

 

Regardless of his motive, Kanye West has performed a public service with his song and music video that opened many eyes to the suffering of Sierra Leoneans.  This may have led many charitable organizations like Free the Children to raise funds for African countries. 

 

Conflict and warfare has been part of human history, even before men have learned to value diamonds.  However, diamonds buy more weapons which kill more people and raise the stakes in each conflict where they are part of the prize.  We should re-evaluate our priorities and put lives before diamonds.  Since Kanye West has raised the conflict to the public through his song, we should take action and help make a difference in the world!

 

 

Bibliography -

 

“West African Diamonds Mines - Sierra Leone”

http://www.khulsey.com/jewelry/kh_jewelry_conflict_diamonds.html.  March 3, 2009.