What impact has the illicit diamond trade had on the conflict in Sierra Leone?
Lansana Gberie: The impact has been devastating for the people of Sierra Leone. The RUF could not continue fighting if it did not have control over the major diamond areas. The rebels are mining these diamonds and exchanging them for small arms that are used against civilians. Close to 70,000 people have been killed since the armed conflict began nine years ago. Some 10,000 people-mostly women and children-have been maimed and mutilated by the rebels. The Government of Sierra Leone is very much handicapped; its reach does not extend much beyond the capital Freetown. And the United Nations peacekeepers assigned to the country following the Lomé Peace Agreement of July 1999 have still not gained access to the key diamond areas; the rebels are still there. So, in short, whoever has control over the diamonds has the power-and all the power to cause destruction. Extending Government control over the diamond-producing areas is thus the key to a lasting peace in Sierra Leone? Smillie: In my v
