G7 APPROACH TO DIAMOND TRACEABILITY HAS CONCEPTUAL DEFICIENCIES: DR MZEE FULA-NGENGE

African diamond-producing nations are increasingly seeking their place in the sun, and are no longer shying away from demanding their rightful share of the revenues generated from diamond extraction. Dr M'zee Fula Ngenge, Chairman, African Diamond Council, talks to Suneeta Kaul about the most pressing issues pertaining to the African diamond industry the less than effective role of local diamond trade administrators, the G7's approach to traceability, the role of technology in improving the functioning of the continent's diamond industry, the limitations of the Kimberly Process, and more

- Suneeta Kaul

Q Would you agree that African diamond trade administrators have not always been able to ensure the well-being of the industry stakeholders, particularly of those at the lowest levels?

A: Every so often, the African diamond industry witnesses key diamond trade administrators indulge in remarkably selfeffacing practices, practically disengaging themselves from the industry, and the well-being of its stakeholders. This behaviour is also seen in African public sector officials, who are more interested in seeking external validation from blocs of industrialized Western nations which attempt to control the direction of the diamond industry.

The African Diamond Council (ADC) believes that diamond trade routes should not ever be covertly or rashly amended for the commercial benefit of those aspiring to construct a commercial empire at the expense of African sovereign states.

Q What are your views on diamond traceability, and the G7 approach to this very important issue?