Bakary Koïta Re-elected as Head of Mali's National Diamond Professionals Council

Bakary Koïta has been reconducted as president of the Conseil national des professionnels du diamant au Mali (CNPDM) for a five-year term. This decision was made during the organization's ordinary general assembly held in Bamako's ACI 2000. The CNPDM aims to strengthen the diamond industry's structure and improve exploitation and commercialization conditions from 2026 to 2031.

The CNPDM has set several objectives for the next five years. These include obtaining exploitation titles and reducing diamond shipment delays to less than seven days. The council also plans to establish a diamond cutting center in Bamako and formalize 1,000 artisanal miners. Furthermore, they intend to organize an International Diamond Salon in Mali and maintain the country's position within the Kimberley Process.

Bakary Koïta emphasized that the council's success relies on the active involvement of its members. He called for transparency in management and increased credibility with authorities and partners. Zoumana Touré, head of the organization committee, highlighted challenges in accessing exploitation titles. These difficulties complicate the justification of diamond origin and traceability.

The diamond sector faces issues with certification delays for export lots, often exceeding one month. In comparison, some countries manage to certify lots in less than a week. Amadou Sanoussi Dafé, president of the National Confederation of Cooperatives of Mali's gold miners, advocated for sector formalization. He proposed cooperation with CNPDM in training, cooperative structuring, and dialogue with public authorities.

Soumaïla Siby, representing the Minister of Commerce and Industry, assured that his department is willing to support initiatives benefiting the diamond industry. The CNPDM, established in 2018, brings together actors from the diamond sector. Since 2014, it has worked to develop alluvial diamond exploitation in Yanfolila and Kéniéba.

The re-elected president and his council will face challenges in achieving their objectives. These include improving working conditions and formalizing artisanal miners. The sector's growth and credibility depend on effective management and cooperation with authorities and partners.

The CNPDM's efforts aim to enhance Mali's diamond industry. The sector plays a significant role in the country's economy. Effective implementation of the council's plans will be crucial to its success.

Key points

• Bakary Koïta has been re-elected as head of the CNPDM for a five-year term.
• The CNPDM aims to strengthen the diamond industry's structure and improve exploitation and commercialization conditions.
• The council plans to establish a diamond cutting center in Bamako and formalize 1,000 artisanal miners.