Illegal miners have infested South Africa. The government is trying a tactic to “smoke them out”, setting food at entrances to entice the illegal miners, then upon their surfacing, arrest them. There are no official estimates as to how many there are, but estimates come at around 400. According to police, almost 370 firearms, 5 million rand in cash, and 32 million rand in diamond were collected upon the arrest of the illegal miners, since the start of this government operation. The illegal miners are said to be from neighboring countries, threatening the national security of South Africa, and raising public suspicion toward migrants.
AP, JOHANNESBURG explains, “Their presence in closed mines have also created problems with nearby communities, which complain that the illegal miners commit crimes ranging from robberies to rape.” Controlling who comes into the country has always been a concern for National Security, regardless of the state. Surrounding states economic downturns are likely the reason for citizens to go and illegally mine. Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe: three of the countries stated to have had illegal miners in South Africa. Malawi and Mozambique are on the list of poorest countries…globally. Intervention between the two countries could establish grounds for legal mining, legal work, or even trade. This would bring the countries together and increase their economic means.
Liberal theory would absolutely get behind this plan: a plan for the collective good. On a regional level of analysis, southern Africa is dealing with instability and poverty, that is ricocheting into South Africa. This threatens security of South Africa, along with Relations with other countries, especially those who receive its exports, and those who produce the illegal minors. Diamonds are foundational to the South African economy, however, globally Russia produces the most diamonds. This issue seems to play a very small role in the international system, however, a mighty impact on the southern Africa region.