Greatest discovery of 4 decades in the land of

A pastor found 706 carat diamonds in Sierra Leone and handed over to the government of one of the poorest countries in the world and the setting of the movie "Blood Diamond".

According to the AP, the 706 carat rough diamond is the most valuable discovery in Sierra Leone since 1972, when a 968.9 carat diamond was found and sold for $ 2.5 million. The telegraph said the diamond ranked 13th in the list of the world's most valuable diamonds.

Pastor Emmanuel Momoh found the diamond in a village in Kono district, "the diamond center" to the east of Sierra Leone. On March 15, the pastor delivered it to President Ernest Bai Koroma.

Mr. Momoh said he decided so because he was moved by the ongoing development at Kono. He mentioned road construction as well as the people having electricity again after 30 years.

706 carat diamond was found by a pastor in Sierra Leone.(Photo: Telegraph).

"I believe the government can do more, especially when the country is facing economic challenges, " he said.

Sierra Leone is currently one of the poorest countries in the world despite abundant mineral resources. Rich diamond mines were the cause of a decade-long civil war that ended in 2002 in the West African nation.

"A gift from God. It would be terrible if anyone planned to do something illegal with this gift," AP quoted President Koroma.

Mr. Koroma expressed his appreciation when no one intended to "smuggle" diamonds abroad, and pledged that it would be sold to the highest bidder. Successful buyers will have full discretion with the diamond.

The presidential spokesman said that the diamond is still undervalued and stored at the State Bank of Sierra Leone.

Last month, an 813 carat diamond was successfully auctioned in London at £ 51 million (about $ 63 million). The largest diamond in the world so far weighs 3,106 carats found in South Africa in 1905.

Rebel groups in Sierra Leone exchange diamonds for weapons, leading to fierce battles. This conflict was portrayed in the movie "Diamond Diamond" (Blood Diamond) with the presence of actor Leonardo DiCaprio.