Koidu Limited, Sierra Leone’s top diamond mine, has halted operations and dismissed over 1,000 workers due to a wage and conditions dispute. This threatens global diamond supplies and increases political tension.

The conflict, sparked by a December 2024 strike, reignited after failed negotiations. Workers, claiming they receive only 30% of their actual wages due to outdated exchange rates, also cite poor working conditions. Union leader Charles Kainessie noted that only a skeleton staff remains at the Freetown headquarters.

The company accuses Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, of escalating tensions with her criticism of their worker treatment. With exports around $100 million, the shutdown could strain global diamond supplies. Koidu Limited reports over $16 million in losses from the strike and needs $20 million to restart, casting doubt on the future of diamond mining in the region.