The Southern African country is being blamed for turning a blind eye to continuing gross human rights violations in Marange, which include illicit exploitation and smuggling of diamonds mostly by members of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) in the area.
So far, Zimbabwe which has pointed out trading the diamonds are critical in resuscitating its economy has been able to sell US$70 million worth of diamonds to unspecified buyers from Israel, India, Lebanon and Russia, and intends to sell more of the precious stones after being given the green light by the Kimberley Process (KP).
In a statement, the Democratic Alliance (DA), which is South Africas largest opposition party, said allowing the sale of the blood diamonds would be an endorsement of human rights violations.
We are calling for an international boycott of the blood diamonds. Those who are buying the diamonds should know that they are propping up the Zanu (PF) regime which for a long time has been at the forefront of serious human rights violations in Eastern Zimbabwe, said the statement.
The DA fears that part of the money realized from the selling of the stones would be used to further consolidate the power of Zimbabwes ageing President, Robert Mugabe, who has been in power for more than 30 years.
Elly Harrowell of Global Witness blasted the arrest of activists who expose human rights violations in Zimbabwe and urged world governments to punish Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean officials have chosen to target rights groups for investigation and publicizing problems in the diamond sector, instead of working to bring the diamond sector into line with accepted standards, said Harrowell.
According to the KP which is the global watchdog in the diamonds trade industry Zimbabwe met the minimum requirements to sell the stones to potential international buyers.
Finance Minister Tendai Biti, who has been at the forefront of an unenviable thrust to boost Zimbabwes economy, says the money realized from trading the diamonds would be used to clear the countrys outstanding debts and uplift the standard of living of the masses.
Post published in: News