The Zimbabwe Cabinet seems to be sending out mixed signals about selling the Marange diamonds without the Kimberly certification. The money from the diamonds is instrumental in helping Zimbabwe get on its feet economically speaking.
However with the rights to mine diamonds in the Marange field under litigation between Harare and London listed African Consolidated Resources, the Supreme Court has ordered that the diamonds from Marange be sequestered with the central bank pending a final decision in the case.
The Mines Minister Obert Mpofu of Zimbabwe said to the Zimbabwe Herald on Tuesday that the Cabinet had agreed to proceed with the export of diamonds despite the certification of the Kimberly process not having come through.
However Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai gave a contradictory account where he said that the ministers insisted that the diamonds should not be sold on the international black market which is the only possible outlet for Zimbabwe if they export without the Kimberly certification.
Critics of the government believe that Marange resources have been used by senior ZANU-PF officials and military officers for self enrichment. That is why the money that could fuel the country's economic recovery is being siphoned off.