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 became the setting for the film "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 reports that this diamond ranks 13th on the list of the world's most valuable diamonds.

Pastor Emmanuel Momoh found the diamond in a village in Kono district, the "diamond center" 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. He mentioned the road construction as well as the fact that people had electricity again after 30 years.

A 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 currently one of the poorest countries in the world, despite its abundant mineral resources. Its rich diamond mines were the cause of a decade-long civil war that ended in 2002 in the West African nation.

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

Mr. Koroma expressed his appreciation that no one intended to smuggle the diamond out of the country, and pledged that it would be sold to the highest bidder. The successful buyer will have full control over the diamond.

The presidential spokesperson 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 (approximately $63 million). The world's largest diamond to date, weighing 3,106 carats, was found in South Africa in 1905.

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

According to Zing