Diamonds--the most valuable gems found in Africa. However, the advertised images of diamonds as beauty and love are contradicted through the corruption occuring in Africa. During the 1990’s, Sierra Leone and Angola rebels used an illicit act of mining diamonds to fund their revolution. This was called Blood Diamonds, referring to diamonds found in mines of war zones. The diamonds financially benefited Sierra Leone in obtaining weapons to assist their struggle against their government, as well as funding for many other illegal activities. In 1998, Angola was placed under sanctions by the United Nations (UN), restricting countries from purchasing diamonds from them. As for Sierra Leone, there was a negotiation with the Revolutionary Front which led to the signing of the Lome Peace Agreement of 1999 to relieve hostility.
Related Links: Conflict Diamonds
