Conflict Diamonds: Kimberley Process fails to reach agreement yet again

The Kimberley Process has once again failed to reach a consensus on a revised definition for ‘conflict diamonds’ following the plenary in Dubai.

Representatives from the organisation’s 86 members gathered for a five-day meeting, and an expanded definition of ‘conflict diamonds’ was the leading topic of discussion, as it has been consistently since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine erupted in February 2022.

Various media reports suggested that the organisation was ‘close’ to agreeing upon a new definition. During an opening address, World Diamond Council president Feriel Zerouki said the Kimberley Process stood at a crucial ‘crossroads’.

"Will participants choose to move the Kimberley Process forward, or will some choose to hold it back? We are at the line. Let us have the courage and unity to cross it." Zerouki said.

"We are at the line. Let us have the courage and unity to cross it."
Feriel Zerouki, World Diamond Council

As reported by Rapaport News, the Kimberley Process failed to reach an agreement on a new definition at the conclusion of the five-day meeting. Jaff Bamenjo, coordinator of the Civil Society Coalition, said it was a bitter ending.

“While not unexpected, it is obviously a massive disappointment for civil society that, once again, the KP has failed to expand the conflict-diamond definition,” he said.

“We know we sound like a broken record, and we really wish it were otherwise.”

The expanded definition has been described as follows: “violence carried out by armed groups beyond traditional rebel movements, including militias, mercenaries, organised criminal networks, private military and security companies, and other non-state actors.”

Ghana received approval as the Kimberley Process vice chair for 2026 and as chair for 2027; however, the 2026 chair position remains open. The United Arab Emirates is this year’s ‘custodian chair’.