afrol News, 19 November - The government of Zimbabwe has reported a breakthrough in the country’s diamond fields where the security forces had based.

The Zimbabwean minister of mines, Obert Mpofu was quoted in the local media today, saying the forces have started withdrawing from the eastern diamond fields to meet Kimberley Process reforms over human rights abuses.

Minister Obert Mpofu also said the Zimbabwe government had complied with almost the requirements of the Kimberley Process, a global watchdog which monitors trade in conflict diamonds.

"We have done a lot since the last review by the (Kimberley Process) as part of our efforts to comply with their recommendations as well as towards achieving and fulfilling compliance," Mr Mpofu was quoted in the state-run Herald newspaper.

Zimbabwe has been under international pressure and faced a possible ban on the global diamond trade circles following reports of human rights abuses as well as violence against civilians in the mining area.

The country was given until June next year to effect reforms in the sector as well as to comply with global regulations.

Apart from replacing the army and police with private security guards, privatisation in the mining fields has also started, with the government having recently licensed two South African companies to mine in the area, in Marange.

Human rights concerns became apparent in the recent months in Zimbabwe, especially with security forces allegedly took the law unto own hands to mine for the precious stones amidst the cash crisis in the country.

Lawlessness, political instability and an economic collapse saw many of Zimbabwe’s industries caught in the crisis trap and falling into, sometimes, delinquent hands.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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