Botswana Rejects G7 Plan to Mandate Diamond Certification in Belgium

The proposed move, aimed at enforcing sanctions on Russian diamonds, has been met with strong opposition from Botswana, citing concerns about logistical challenges and increased costs for African diamond producers.

Lefoko Moagi, Botswana's minister of minerals, emphasized that his country had communicated its opposition to the G7 proposal clearly. He highlighted the critical role diamonds play in Botswana's economy, contributing more than two-thirds of the national budget's revenue. Moagi expressed concerns that the G7 plan could jeopardize national sovereignty and economic stability.

Botswana's government questioned the need for a new certification system when the existing Kimberley Process (KP), implemented in 2003 to regulate conflict diamonds, has not been shown to have loopholes. Despite a G7 delegation visit to Botswana, concrete answers were not provided when journalists inquired about the differences between the proposed certification system and the KP.

Under the current KP, diamond certification occurs within Africa, particularly in Botswana, resulting in cost-effective processes for African diamond producers. This localized certification has facilitated efforts by African nations to add value to diamonds before exportation, leading to increased profits and job creation within the continent's diamond industry.

The proposal to shift the certification process from Africa to Europe has sparked concerns that it represents another attempt by Western nations to maintain control over African resources. There are fears that this move could undermine African nations' efforts to maximize benefits from their mineral wealth and develop their economies independently.

In essence, Botswana's rejection of the G7's proposal reflects broader sentiments within Africa about the importance of maintaining control over the certification process for diamonds and ensuring that the continent's interests are protected in the global diamond trade.