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AU urges speedy ratification of Pelindaba Treaty
2006-06-03 09:16:15
By Anaclet Rwegayura, PST, Addis Ababa
Concerned with the long delay in coming into force of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, also known as Treaty of Pelindaba, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) has urged member states to sign and ratify the treaty.
Approved by the OAU in June 1995, the Treaty declares Africa a zone free of nuclear weapons, an important step towards the promotion of co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, complete disarmament, and the enhancement of regional peace and security.
Though it has been open for signature over the last 10 years, only 20 African countries have consented to the Treaty and deposited instruments of its ratification with the AU Commission.
The Treaty, adopted at Pelindaba, South Africa, requires 28 instruments of ratification to enter into force.
Following an assembly that was open to all AU member states and other concerned countries, the PSC met here on Wednesday and requested the countries that have not yet signed and ratified the Treaty to do so without further delay.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the PSC stressed its desire for the Treaty to enter into force during this 10th year of its opening for signature.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oluyemi Adeniji presided over the meeting in his capacity as representative of the country chairing the PSC for the month of May 2006.
In 1995, the OAU endorsed the Pelindaba Treaty considering that the establishment of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones, especially in the Middle East, would enhance the security of Africa and the viability of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone.
Of the regions that have concluded treaties on nuclear weapons-free zones, Africa is the only one where such an instrument has not yet come into force.
Meanwhile, PSC has requested AU Commission Chairperson, Alpha Oumar Konare to take all necessary steps, including the appointment of a Special Envoy, to speed up the implementation of the Treaty.
At its 8th Ordinary Session, held on 16-21 January 2006 in Khartoum, Sudan, the AU Executive Council directed the Commission to follow-up on the matter with member states.
Also, the PSC paid tribute to the Federal Republic of Nigeria for continuing to promote the signature and ratification of the Pelindaba Treaty.
The Pelindaba Treaty contains guiding principles of the de-nuclearisation of Africa, disarmament and the establishment of a nuclear-free zone.
Under the Treaty, parties pledge renunciation of nuclear explosive devices, prevention of the stationing of nuclear explosive devices, and prohibition of the testing of nuclear explosive devices.
The parties also undertake, inter alia, not to use or threaten to use a nuclear explosive device against any party to the Treaty or any territory within the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone for which a state that has become a party to the Protocol is internationally responsible.
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