Zimbabwe’s Marange diamonds & the need for reform of the Kimberley Process

The document examines how the Kimberley Process (KP) failed to address human rights abuses in Zimbabwe's Marange region because its definition of 'conflict diamonds' only covers those used by rebel groups. It details the involvement of Zimbabwean security forces in torture, rape, and smuggling, and the lack of transparency regarding diamond revenues. The authors recommend that the KP expand its definition to include governments, establish local monitoring mechanisms, and require transparency in mining licenses.

• The Kimberley Process's current definition of 'conflict diamonds' is insufficient for the situation in Marange because it only refers to the role of 'rebel groups and their allies', whereas in Marange, the Zimbabwean police and military were implicated in smuggling and human rights abuses.
• Military operation 'Hakudzokwi kumunda' ('You will not return'), launched in October 2008 in Marange, has been linked to severe human rights violations, including forced labour, beatings, rape, and torture.
• There is a significant lack of transparency and accountability regarding diamond revenues in Zimbabwe; while two auctions in 2010 raised millions, Finance Minister Tendai Biti claimed the treasury received almost no revenue, with suspicions that funds were diverted to the presidency or Zanu-PF controlled Ministry of Mines and Mining Development.
• Diamond proceeds from the Anjin Investments joint venture between Zimbabwe and China are reportedly being used to repay a $98 million Chinese loan for the construction of a military college near Harare.
• The Kimberley Process's decision in November 2011 to approve diamond sales from Marange led to the withdrawal of Global Witness and sparked criticism regarding the KP's effectiveness and legitimacy.
• Smuggled diamonds from Marange have entered international markets through Mozambique, specifically impacting towns like Manica, and have been intercepted in Israel, Lebanon, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

APA

Masiya, T., & Benkenstein, A. (2012). Zimbabwe’s Marange diamonds & the need for reform of the Kimberley Process. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Policy-Briefing-43.pdf

Chicago

Masiya, Tyanai, and Alex Benkenstein. Zimbabwe’s Marange diamonds & the need for reform of the Kimberley Process. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2012. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Policy-Briefing-43.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Masiya |first1=Tyanai |last2=Benkenstein |first2=Alex |title=Zimbabwe’s Marange diamonds & the need for reform of the Kimberley Process |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=February 2012 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Policy-Briefing-43.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{masiya2012zimbabwes, author = {Masiya, Tyanai and Benkenstein, Alex}, title = {{Zimbabwe’s Marange diamonds \& the need for reform of the Kimberley Process}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2012}, month = feb, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Policy-Briefing-43.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }