BOTSWANA TO HOST KIMBERLEY PROCESS

Botswana has won the bid to host the Kimberley Process (KP) secretariat, a coalition of governments, the diamond industry and civil society representatives that certifies that diamonds are not used to fund rebel groups. KP said in a statement on Monday it had unanimously elected Botswana to host the secretariat, which is expected to become operational by 2024. The development is seen as recognition of the country’s exemplary way of managing its natural resources. The body defines conflict diamonds as gems used to fund rebel movements seeking to undermine legitimate governments.