Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana has expressed concern regarding the G7 countries’ decision to impose restrictions on the trade of diamonds.
Addresing a press conference in Kasane on Wednesday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said that no country in the Group of 7 should lay claim to Botswana’s diamonds.
He highlighted the significant impact of the G7’s decision to certify Botswana’s diamonds in Brussels, Belgium, saying that it could not be ignored.
President Masisi opposed the notion that Antwerp, Brussels, or any other nation states of the G7 had a right to the country’s minerals.
The decision by the G7 to impose restrictions was prompted by the intention to sanction Russian diamonds due to its conflict with Ukraine, he said.
President Masisi pointed out that Botswana aimed for Gaborone to be the central hub for rough diamonds, emphasising the crucial significance of diamonds to the country.
He said he had expressed his protest to the Belgian Prime Minister, Mr Alexander De Croo, and his advisors last year, stating the importance of Botswana’s involvement in any decisions that could affect the nation, as a major diamond producer.
He also noted Botswana’s strong diplomatic relations with all G7 member states, which facilitated discussions and risk management.
The President emphasised the importance of educating G7 on the sanctity and security of Botswana’s diamond industry, the involved value chains, and the employment it created for citizens, asserting that it was about ‘our sovereignty and integrity.’
Zambia President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, supported Botswana’s rejection of the G7’s suggestion, saying there was need for fairness, equity, and respect for the law.
He highlighted the necessity for a reformed global financial system, global trading system, and decision-making structures that paid adequate representation to African and less developed countries.
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