By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – November 2025
Honourable Julius Daniel Mattai, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources and Chairman of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), has called for urgent reform within the Kimberley Process (KP), demanding a modern and Africa-centred definition of “conflict diamonds.”
Speaking at the 2025 Kimberley Process Plenary in Dubai, Minister Mattai delivered an impassioned address rooted in his country’s historical experiences with conflict-fuelled resource exploitation. He highlighted the severe human and economic repercussions that the illicit diamond trade has inflicted on many African nations, which ultimately precipitated the establishment of the Kimberley Process.
“No continent better understands the toll inflicted by conflict diamonds than Africa,” he stated. “Our communities have endured the anguish and ignited the global conscience that led to the creation of the Kimberley Process.”
In a bold critique, Minister Mattai warned that the current discussions around redefining “conflict diamonds” have been undermined by geopolitical rivalries and actors disconnected from the realities of diamond-producing nations. He accused certain non-diamond producing stakeholders of manipulating the definition for their interests, leaving African mining communities vulnerable to ongoing exploitation.
“The definition of conflict diamonds has increasingly been distorted by geopolitical interests,” he asserted. “Our voices and historical lessons should not be sidelined.”
Representing the collective position of ADPA member states, Minister Mattai insisted that any new definition must reflect Africa’s priorities and not be driven solely by external political agendas. “Our diamonds are not mere commodities; they symbolize hope and prosperity for millions,” he remarked.
He proposed a shift from merely preventing conflict to promoting “peace diamonds”—those linked to transparent governance and sustainable economic development. “The failure to adopt a new definition transcends technical issues; it is a moral failure,” he emphasized, describing the lack of consensus as a “moral emergency.”
Commending the UAE’s leadership, he urged governments, civil society, and industry leaders to rise to this historic moment and adopt a definition that promotes unity and dignity. “Let us create a definition that will be remembered not for the divisions we avoided, but for the progress we achieved,” he concluded.
The Kimberley Process Plenary is expected to continue discussions on these proposed definitions, with African diamond-producing countries uniting around ADPA’s position. The outcome could significantly shape global diamond governance and enhance the KP’s response to emerging challenges.
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