mmegi

An untimely exposure of the KP’s weaknesses

Provenance proven: Botswana's diamonds are renowned for their ethical sourcing and the fact that revenues are used for national development PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Provenance proven: Botswana's diamonds are renowned for their ethical sourcing and the fact that revenues are used for national development PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Negotiations dragged past 4am in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe last week but still failed to break a deadlock in the Kimberley Process over the wording of a contentious communique. For the second year running, the global diamond watchdog’s members split over Russia, a failure that comes as the G7 prepares its own tough stance, writes MBONGENI MGUNI

In his remarks at the Natural Diamonds Summit on Monday, President Mokgweetsi Masisi appeared to break from the version of the speech that his office and government communications would later share.

“We as Botswana and others will protect the Kimberley Process and refuse to be party to its undermining particularly as we engage with our partners globally to ensure enhanced traceability throughout the world,” he said.

Editor's Comment
Don't let FMD outbreak drag on

Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do. The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door...

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