Blood Diamonds and Land Corruption in Sierra Leone

Aug 2, 2019 | Transparency International
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A deep abyss punctures the southern suburbs of Koidu Town, one of the largest cities in Sierra Leone. The giant pit, vast processing plants and surrounding earthworks constitute the country’s richest diamond mine. Diamonds were first discovered in Koidu during the 1930s. The Koidu mine was initially developed as a state-owned operation, which local communities hoped would bring employment and prosperity to the region. However, during the brutal civil war that raged between 1991 and 2002, the mine fell into the hands of South African mercenaries and has been operated as a private enterprise ever since.