Rough trade in diamonds

Diamonds may enjoy a romantic image as a girl's best friend, but the precious stones also play a far less appealing role in helping to finance some of the world's bloodiest conflicts. The trade in illicit rough diamonds funds and prolongs conflicts in Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and is also being accused of funding international terrorism. Recent reports suggest that Al Qaeda terrorists have raised money through the purchase and sale of illicit diamonds.

Rebel groups in countries such as Angola for years exported and sold diamonds and the vast revenues generated enabled them to re-arm and maintain supplies despite a UN-sponsored peace process. Between 1992 and 1998 Unita sold billions of dollars worth of diamonds, and rebel groups elsewhere in Africa were also able to do the same.