The title refers to blood diamonds, which were diamonds mined in war zones and sold to finance conflicts, and thereby profit warlords and diamond companies across the world.
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Diamonds were mined and exported in exchange for weapons for the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels. So Kono, the heart of Sierra Leone’s diamond resource base, became an important target. So important it was that it was attacked twice by the rebels.
The Rebel War ended, and now Koidu City is at the brink of breaking political war. It could be recalled that the Elected of Koidu City, Saa Emerson Lamina was suspended on allegation of financial impropriety. His suspension followed by an independent investigation team which has submitted its findings.
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According to report, the committee finds Saa Emerson Lamina not guilty of the charges levied against him. The suspension of the mayor was met with mix-feelings especially on the legality of the action of the Designated Minister of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment. Residents of Koidu City were expecting that the decision of suspending the mayor should have been reversed following the findings of the committee that was investigating the claims. Now, the people are calling for the reinstatement of the mayor, Saa Emerson Lamina. The council is currently being run by an Acting Mayor and Deputy. Â
