#ThrowbackThursday to 2010, when Zimbabwe’s diamond industry was making global waves. The Marange diamond fields had become one of the richest finds in decades, and the government was ready to cash in. That year, a court ruling cleared the way for official sales, dismissing foreign claims to the mining rights.

The international spotlight followed quickly. Allegations of smuggling and elite control raised questions about transparency. The Kimberley Process, which certifies conflict-free diamonds, faced pressure to act. Still, Zimbabwe pushed ahead, partnering with private firms and selling millions of carats.

Marange became more than a mining story — it was a symbol of resource power, political tension, and global attention. Fifteen years later, it remains a reminder of how natural wealth can shape a nation’s narrative.

Dandaro Online, Zimbabwe Throwback Thursday