New discovery in the land of "Blood Diamonds"

A pastor found a 706-carat diamond in Sierra Leone and handed it over to the government of one of the world's poorest countries, which was the setting for the movie "Blood Diamond".

According to AP, the 706-carat rough diamond is the most valuable discovery in Sierra Leone since 1972, when a 968.9-carat diamond was found and sold for $2.5 million. The Telegraph said the diamond ranked 13th on the list of the most valuable diamonds in the world.

Pastor Emmanuel Momoh found the diamond in a village in Kono district, a “diamond hub” in eastern Sierra Leone. On March 15, the pastor handed it over to President Ernest Bai Koroma.

Mr Momoh said he made the decision because he was moved by the development taking place in Kono, citing road construction and the return of electricity to residents after 30 years.

The 706-carat diamond was found by a pastor in Sierra Leone. (Photo: Telegraph).

"I believe the government can do more, especially at a time when the whole country is facing economic challenges," he said.

Sierra Leone is one of the world's poorest countries despite its rich mineral resources. Rich diamond mines were the cause of the decade-long civil war that ended in 2002 in the West African country.

"A gift from God. It would be terrible if anyone tried to do anything illegal with this gift," AP quoted President Koroma as saying.

Mr Koroma expressed his appreciation that no one had any intention of smuggling the diamond out of the country, and pledged that it would be sold to the highest bidder. The successful buyer would have full rights to the diamond.

The presidential spokesman said the diamond has not yet been valued and is being held at the State Bank of Sierra Leone.

Last month, an 813-carat diamond was successfully auctioned in London for 51 million pounds (about 63 million USD). The world's largest diamond to date weighed 3,106 carats and was found in South Africa in 1905.

Rebel groups in Sierra Leone traded diamonds for weapons, leading to fierce fighting. This conflict was portrayed in the movie "Blood Diamond" starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

According to Zing