In late May, Zimbabwean authorities raided the home of Farai Maguwu of the Centre for Research and Development (CRD), arresting him and a family member. CRD is an official observer of the Kimberley Process (KP).
The World Diamond Council (WDC), the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), and Partnership Africa Canada (PAC) were among those expressing concern.
“In the absence of explanation of the legal grounds for this action, the WDC joins with members of the KP’s Civil Society Coalition in calling for an immediate end to this intimidation, the release of those arrested, and the return of confiscated property and documentation,” the WDC said.
The raid on Maguwu’s house came following a meeting with Abbey Chikane, the KP’s monitor in Zimbabwe overseeing a work plan to get the country into full compliance with the system.
