Zimbabwe Withdraws
Soldiers From Diamond Fields
Zimbabwe
has resolved to withdraw soldiers from poorly
secured diamond fields in the eastern part of the
country following criticism over rights abuses.
Zimbabwe deployed troops to seal off the Marange
diamond fields in 2008 to clamp down on illegal
mining and smuggling after thousands of Panners
descended on the area.
Human rights Watch released a report alleging that
about 200 people had been killed during a military
crackdown in the diamond fields.
Zimbabwe's deputy mines minister Murisi Zwizwai,
whose department has denied charges of killings by
soldiers, said the army would be gradually pulled
out of the diamond fields, which cover sixty six
thousand hectares.
Zwizwai said the government agreed to remove
soldiers in phases while proper security settings
are put in place.
REUTERS/Qasim/Yinka