- Officials of the Liberian government have filed their reaction about the lifting of sanctions on their country’s diamonds, describing the development as the road to economic boom, creation of employment, among others.
On Friday, the United Nations announced lifting a ban on Liberian diamond which was formerly classified as “blood or rough diamonds”. Since such diamonds, which are sold to fuel rebellion in countries in war, fail to pass the Kimberly test, they are therefore banned by the UN.
The ban resulted after the UN findings proved that the former Liberian rebel leader who later became President – Charles Taylor – was involved in illicit diamond trade purposely to fuel war in Sierra Leone.
Dr. Eugene Shannon, the Minister of Mine and Energy said Liberia now boast of being part of the 52 Kimberly complaint countries of the world.
He said the lift means a lot to Liberia’s quest to move fast with repairing the damages of the 14-year-old civil war. Dr Shannon believed that being part of the Kimberly process, Liberia can easily grease the wheels of its economy and create job opportunities for its youths.
Dr. Lawrence Bropleh, the Minister for Information expressed delight over the timeliness of the lifting.
With the lifting of sanctions on diamonds and logs, coupled with the passage of the metal steel agreement, the Liberian government does not have any excuse for not recovering its dwindling economy as well as shape better standard of living for its citizens.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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