The government of Sierra Leone has lifted a suspension on an Israeli diamond
mining firm following a five-month investigation into a riot that left two
people dead.
Sierra Leone in December ordered Koidu Holdings, controlled by Israeli
diamond merchant Beny Steinmetz, to halt all operations pending an investigation
into the incident in which police shot into a crowd of rioting youths who were
protesting over long-standing land disputes with the company.
In a statement issued late Wednesday, the government said it was "immediately
lifting" the ban after a consultation with Steinmetz and other officials
this week.
"Koidu Holdings are cleared of all charges and accusations," the statement
said, adding that the government is working with the company to try to resolve
the issues of land ownership and resettlement of displaced residents around
the mine.
Police have said the officers were shooting warning shots to quell a protest
that had turned uncontrollably violent — with youths ransacking the town and
burning two police posts.
A report issued last month by investigators said police went on a
"trigger-happy free-for-all shooting spree." It said Koidu could have "shown a
little bit of restraint and sensitivity toward the demonstrators," but did not
fault the company.
Sierra Leone is still struggling to recover from a devastating 10-year civil
war that ended in 2002. Koidu has been operating in the country since 2003.
Sierra
Leone lifts suspension on Israeli diamond miner - International Herald
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