The Herald (Zimbabwe)

Botswana to host KP secretaria­t

-

GABORONE. – Botswana has won its bid to host the permanent secretaria­t of the Kimberley Process ( KP), the grouping that certifies that diamonds are not used to fund rebel groups, but its members remain divided over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The KP, a coalition of government­s, the diamond industry and civil society representa­tives, said in a statement on Monday it had unanimousl­y elected Botswana to host the secretaria­t, which is expected to become operationa­l by 2024.

The body defines conflict diamonds as gems used to fund rebel movements seeking to undermine legitimate government­s.

Five members initially expressed KP interest to host it before the list was whittled down to three, with Botswana, China and Austria in contention.

Botswana Diamond Hub coordinato­r Jacob Thamage, who handed over the rotational chairmansh­ip of the

KP to Zimbabwe over the weekend, said before last week’s plenary that Austria had pulled out of the bidding process, leaving Botswana and China in the race.

The 85-nation body was establishe­d in 2003 to eliminate trade in conflict diamonds.

Although it says it has made progress in halting such trade, the civil society organisati­ons linked to the i ndustry have been demanding reforms. – Reuters

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Zimbabwe