U.S. Sanctions Zimbabwean Diamond Companies

The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control added two Zimbabwean diamond companies to a sanctions list Dec. 9. The move is likely less out of concern for alleged human rights abuses in Zimbabwean diamond mines and more a way to gain leverage over Harare, particularly Defense Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, the leading candidate to succeed President Robert Mugabe. Zimbabwe's leading Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front now must attempt to find a successor to Mugabe who both appeases the West and guarantees the security and financial well-being of the ruling elite.