The Sierra Leone Civil War begins, creating brutal conflict that would influence the events depicted in Blood Diamond.
The United Nations imposes sanctions and bans imports of blood diamonds to reduce funding of rebel groups like the RUF in Sierra Leone.
Efforts culminate in the Kimberley Process to certify the origin of rough diamonds to combat the trade in conflict diamonds.
The civil war in Sierra Leone officially ends after nearly 11 years of conflict, reducing the trade of conflict diamonds in the region.
The rebel forces attack Solomon Vandy's village, kidnapping children including his son.
Solomon discovers a rare pink diamond while working in the diamond mines controlled by the rebels.
Danny Archer, a South African mercenary and smuggler, arrives in Sierra Leone aiming to enter the diamond trade.
Danny Archer is captured by government soldiers and arrested, then later bailed out by Maddy Bowen.
Solomon approaches Danny to help rescue his son and retrieve the pink diamond in exchange for a share of the diamond.
Maddy Bowen, a journalist, begins investigating the illicit conflict diamond trade in Sierra Leone.
Danny, Solomon, and Maddy team up and plan to retrieve Solomon's son from the rebels using the pink diamond as leverage.
During an ambush, the group loses possession of the pink diamond, which falls into rebel hands again.
Danny and Solomon launch a final effort to rescue Solomon's son from rebel captivity amidst ongoing conflict.
Danny reveals he intends to keep the pink diamond and escape, but ultimately chooses to help Solomon instead.
Danny is fatally wounded while helping Solomon rescue his son, who is then safely reunited with his father.
