Abbey Chikane monitor Kimberley Process

After almost four months of delay, the Kimberley Process finally appoints a monitor for the certification of the Chiadzwa diamonds. Zimbabwe Watch welcomes the appointment of Abbey Chikane, but hopes he will get the promised ‘full and unhindered access’ and the ability to operate in a transparent way.

At the November 2009 plenary meeting of the diamond watchdog Kimberley Process (KP) in Namibia, the Zimbabwe government escaped suspension from the certification scheme, despite human rights violations by the military, extortion and smuggling activities in the Marange diamond mining area of Chiadzwa.

In terms of a “joint work plan” the Zimbabwe government promised to clean up its act within six months and would only export Chiadzwa diamonds if certified by a KP appointed monitor. The appointment was delayed because the Zimbabwe government refused an independent European to join the monitoring team.

With the appointment of Mr Abbey Chikane, head of the South African Diamond Board, at last a step has been made. Zimbabwe Watch hopes that Chikane will be allowed to act in an independent and impartial way, and will get the promised “full and unhindered access”. The need is great. Reports from Chiadzwa area continue to tell stories of abuse, rape and killings, and large scale corruption and theft by high ranking Government officials.