Africa-Press – Angola. Angolan authorities reaffirmed on Wednesday, in New York, their commitment to conflict prevention, good governance of natural resources and sustainable development.
According to a note from the Permanent Mission of Angola to the UN received Thursday, this position was defended at a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly, by the country’s representative, Francisco José da Cruz, at the panel on “The Role of Diamonds in Financing Conflicts”.
The diplomat said that the link between natural resources and armed conflicts continues to constitute a significant challenge to global peace and that Angola faced, for decades, a prolonged conflict fueled, in part, by the illegal trade of precious stones.
Da Cruz said this experience prompted the creation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KP), which he described as a fundamental instrument of multilateral cooperation, intended to prevent the entry of “blood diamonds” into legitimate markets.
The diplomat stressed that “the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on the matter is a crucial step towards strengthening transparency and accountability.”
Despite the progress, the Angolan representative warned of persistent challenges, such as the evolution of illicit trafficking networks and gaps in governance mechanisms.
During his address, the diplomat advocated for the adaptation of the Kimberley Process, the strengthening of diamond traceability, more robust compliance mechanisms, and continued support for producing countries.
The ambassador highlighted the ongoing reforms within the framework of the National Development Plan (PDN) 2023–2027, which focuses on the structural transformation of the diamond sector, prioritizing local cutting and valorization.
He said these measures aim to ensure that mineral resources contribute directly to job creation and economic growth, integrating regional value chains within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Francisco José da Cruz called for a renewed commitment from the international community to ensure that diamonds stop being associated with conflict and instead represent a vector of peace, dignity, and prosperity for populations.
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