UN Office of Sanctions: Sierra Leone Conflicts Diamonds and War (full report)

Abstract

Diamonds have become an important resource for Sierra Leone’s Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in sustaining and advancing its military ambitions. Estimates of the volume of RUF diamonds vary widely, from as little as $25 million per annum to as much as $125 million. Whatever the total, it represents a major and primary source of income for the RUF, and is more than enough to sustain its military activities.