EU must toughen diamond sanctions on Zimbabwe, says Global Witness

Human rights group Global Witness called on the foreign ministers of European Union (EU) states to beef-up sanctions on sales of diamonds from Zimbabwe’s controversial Marange region to Europe.

The group made the call as Belgium tried to push for sanctions against Zimbabwean diamonds to be dropped.

“Global Witness’ investigations point to a serious risk that diamond revenues could be used to fund violence in this year’s election [in Zimbabwe]. The Belgian government is claiming concern for the Zimbabwean people; however its true interests are closer to home in the diamond markets of Antwerp,” says Global Witness diamonds campaigner, Emily Armistead.

“EU members seeking to promote democracy and stability in Zimbabwe should avoid a ménage-à-trois with Belgium and its diamond dealers this Valentine’s Day,” she adds.

In a report published last year, Global Witness claimed that money from diamond sales was going to security forces controlled by President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party.

"Whilst some members believe that restrictive measures should remain in place until Zimbabwe’s elections later this year, the Belgian government is pressing for sanctions against the state-owned diamond company, Zimbabwean Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC), to be dropped immediately," Global Witness said.

Global Witness wants restrictive measures to stay in place on the ZMDC and another mining company, Anjin, and for Hong Kong-based businessman Sam Pa to be added to the list.