If you like chocolate, as most people do, you might think that the only bad thing that’s going to happen from eating it – if, of course, there’s no moderation – is the increase it could potentially cause in your body weight.
However, years ago I read on the BBC that human rights defenders from Global Witness claimed that millions of dollars of cocoa industry revenues were used for the civil war on the Ivory Coast. Since these cocoa seeds harvested in Côte d’Ivoire help the survival of many farmers and their families, they could also be exchanged for weapons.
Tens of millions of dollars from this trade helped finance the country’s government troops and former rebel groups during the civil war. This was reported in the 2007 report “Hot Chocolate” by Global Witness.
This fertile land is located in the country with the largest cocoa production in the world. But this luxury has been the cause of years of territorial and political conflict.
Sierra Leone in West Africa
When we eat a chocolate bar, there’s a good chance that cocoa contributed to a vicious war. Profits from the cocoa trade have contributed to the fighting activity of both government and rebel forces.
In other parts of Africa, natural resources have also paid for wars, for example, Sierra Leone.
Diamonds were mined and then turned into weapons, according to Global Witness.
These diamonds were dubbed “Blood Diamonds” and many were withdrawn from the world market.
Large industries will now have to do the same with their own products if they come from war zones.
Do you know what Global Witness’ message was to cocoa retailers and chocolate manufacturers around the world? “Theworld’s appetite for chocolate should no longer fund wars in Africa.”
Do you know what the message of the text is through the information I have chosen to quote? “Now more than ever is the time to raise awareness around ethical consumption and fair trade, the power is in our hands and change starts with each of us individually – and together!“
