Sierra Leone diamond mine strike ends after 2 killed in violence; company increases bonuses

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – Officials say a deadly strike at a Sierra Leone diamond mine is now over.

Two people were killed in the violence at the mine in Koidu in eastern Sierra Leone, where workers went on strike over bonuses and work conditions.

Government officials condemned the violence, saying people also beat up miners who tried to work during the strike.

OCTEA diamond mining company spokesman Ibrahim Kamara said Friday that the company is increasing the year-end salary bonus for workers from 20 percent to 30 percent.

Sierra Leone's diamond wealth fueled a decade-long civil war that ended in 2002. Despite the West African country's mineral wealth, it remains one of the poorest countries in the world, where some 60 percent of people get by on $1.25 a day.