The exploitation of raw materials from Africa has been one of the main reasons bloody conflicts continue to ravage the continent. Conflict diamonds are diamonds illegally traded to fund regional conflicts in war-torn areas. The majority of them come from central and western Africa. The United Nations defines conflict diamonds as "...diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action in opposition to those governments…." In these regions of Africa, communities are being torn apart. Violence, child soldiers, and amputations are the consequences of global inaction.
In July 2000, the global diamond industry sought to eradicate the trade in these diamonds. What was created was called, Kimberley Process Certification System. Though the agreement has met with success, it is estimated that 4-15% of the diamonds that reach the world market come from outside the system. This percentage represents millions of dollars in income for groups that continue to terrorize these regions.
