National Geographic Specials Season 1 Episode 17 Diamonds of War: Africa's Blood Diamonds

In this episode of National Geographic Specials, titled "Diamonds of War: Africa's Blood Diamonds," viewers are taken on a journey through the dark and dangerous world of diamond mining in Africa. The episode explores how these precious stones have fueled violent conflicts and funded brutal wars, often at the expense of innocent civilians.

The episode begins by examining the history of diamond mining in Africa, starting with the discovery of diamonds in South Africa in the late 1800s. Over time, mines and diamond dealers became more entrenched in African society, often operating outside the law and outside the reach of local authorities.

Viewers are then taken on a harrowing journey to Sierra Leone, where they witness the devastation of the country's brutal civil war, a conflict that was largely fueled by the sale of blood diamonds. The episode also examines the role of neighboring Liberia, where warlords traded guns for diamonds and used them to fund their brutal campaigns of terror.

Desperate miners working in harsh conditions are also profiled, as well as those who have been forced to work as slaves in diamond mines. The episode highlights the everyday tragedies that take place in diamond mines across Africa, including accidents and illnesses caused by overwork and exposure to toxins.

Interviews with former child soldiers, survivors of massacres, and victims of violence are also featured in the episode. These individuals provide a firsthand account of the horrors that have been inflicted upon innocent people in the name of diamonds.

Throughout the episode, experts in the field of conflict diamonds provide insight into the illicit diamond trade and the ways in which it can be stopped. They discuss the Kimberley Process, an international certification scheme designed to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds, and what more needs to be done to promote ethical and sustainable diamond mining in Africa.

Ultimately, "Diamonds of War: Africa's Blood Diamonds" is a powerful and sobering look at the human cost of the diamond trade. It highlights the need for greater awareness and action to ensure that diamonds are mined and traded in an ethical and sustainable way, so that the lives of those affected by the trade can be improved.