Asked about those allegations, Mr. Topczewski said many victims were satisfied with the mediation process, but because of confidentiality rules he said he couldn't identify them.

WSJ: Dolan Rises��Just Not to Pope

While welcoming the announcement, he told the BBC that other severance payments to staff made through a different process, known as judicial mediation, may not be covered by the new rules.

BBC: Gary Walker

But in a statement to the AFP news agency Mr Mvouo said the president of the Kimberley Process, which is based in Canada, had not respected the organisation's rules concerning the right to respond to allegations, mediation, and confidentiality.

BBC: NEWS | Africa | Congo anger at diamond suspension