Botswana's President Masisi slams 'wrong' G7 decision on diamond certification
Botswana's President Masisi slams 'wrong' G7 decision on diamond certification
FRANCE 24 spoke to Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi on the sidelines of a global summit in Paris, during which $1 billion were pledged to increase the production of vaccines in Africa. Masisi discussed the importance of Africa producing its own vaccines and the need for considerable funding. He also reacted to the G7's decision that all diamonds sold in G7 countries now need to be certified in Antwerp, Belgium, as part of sanctions on Russia. Masisi called this "a wrong decision" that's "taking away our capacity to be in control". He added: "We are the producer countries. Why would we not be trusted?" Botswana is the world's top diamond producer by value.
FRANCE 24 spoke to Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi on the sidelines of a global summit in Paris, during which $1 billion were pledged to increase the production of vaccines in Africa. Masisi discussed the importance of Africa producing its own vaccines and the need for considerable funding. He also reacted to the G7's decision that all diamonds sold in G7 countries now need to be certified in Antwerp, Belgium, as part of sanctions on Russia. Masisi called this "a wrong decision" that's "taking away our capacity to be in control". He added: "We are the producer countries. Why would we not be trusted?" Botswana is the world's top diamond producer by value.