Tanzania builds wall to protect gemstones

The Great Mirerani Wall, built in the north of the Tanzania to prevent the theft of tanzanite. PHOTO | BBC

Tanzania's President John Magufuli has officially inaugurated the Great Mirerani Wall, built in the north of the country to prevent the theft of tanzanite, a rare gemstone.

In September, Mr Magufuli ordered the military to build the wall, which is 24km long, in order “to control illegal mining and trading activities”.