WINDHOEK: The Ministry of Mines and Energy in Namibia has voiced its apprehension regarding the G7's proposed restrictions on Russian diamond imports. The Ministry emphasized the need for comprehensive dialogue with all diamond-producing nations.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), On Wednesday, the Ministry responded to the G7's recent statements about their plans to impose restrictions on Russian diamonds, including a phased introduction of import limitations by early 2024. "On December 6, the G7 issued their third statement on the proposed restrictive measures. The statement included plans to introduce import restrictions on non-industrial diamonds from Russia by January 1, 2024, with further phased restrictions on the import of Russian diamonds processed in third countries targeting March 1, 2024," the Ministry noted.

The Ministry expressed its concern over the G7's intention to verify all diamonds entering the G7 and EU through a single node in Antwerp, Belgium. This approach, the Ministry argues, could negatively affect African diamond-producing countries like Namibia, leading to socio-economic challenges. The proposal is seen as adding an extra regulatory layer, potentially causing delays and additional costs, and undermining the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.

The statement emphasized that the certification in Antwerp would in effect marginalize the rights of Namibian authorities to authenticate their own diamonds as non-Russian. "This will undermine our sovereign right to manage the trade of our diamonds and in the best interest of our people," the Ministry stated. They urged the G7 to engage directly and meaningfully with all diamond-producing countries to consider the implications of these measures on their economies and the livelihoods of their people.