Introduction

Summary

This work examines the social, economic and political role that diamonds have played in Sierra Leone's development since they were first discovered during British colonial rule in the 1930s. While Sierra Leone gained political independence in the early 1960s its economic independence remained problematic. Moreover, issues of governance that have plagued many African nations and the continued problems of poverty and inequality have remained a prominent part of that history. These factors have ultimately fed into the decade long civil conflict that dominated much of the 1990s. This book argues that although this conflict became synonymous with blood diamonds, it actually had its roots in more complex and deep-rooted historical, socio-economic and political factors. In addition, continuing social and economic deprivations in Sierra Leone today occur in the context of an ever developing and ever wealthier global economy, in which poor nations like Sierra Leone are excluded and marginalised. This work will argue that Sierra Leone has become the victim of resource predation as far as diamonds are concerned as the search for valuable minerals or scarce resources continues unabated. Indeed, it would appear that a form of neo-colonial corporatism has emerged in which international business interests are exercising increasing economic and political control over Sierra Leone.