Liberia: Diamonds and the threat to peace

Liberia is far from having the diamond controls required to prevent diamonds from fuelling conflict and instability, says a Global Witness paper, which demonstrates how insufficient reform of Liberia's diamond and timber industries and failure to adequately control areas rich in natural resources have resulted in their continued exploitation and threat to regional peace and security. "Despite the terms of his exile arrangements with Nigeria that forbade Charles Taylor from engaging in active communication with anyone engaged in political, illegal or governmental activities in Liberia, he continues to do so," said Global Witness.