Morocco elected as commissioner of Africa nuclear energy

Morocco was elected unanimously, as Commissioner of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE), for a three-year term, as reported by North Africa Post on June 26th. 

The election took place as a part of the 7th Conference of States Parties (CSP) to the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, the conference was held in Ethiopia at the headquarters of the African Union inside the city of Addis Ababa.

Morocco’s new election to the prestigious commission testifies to the trust placed in the Kingdom, in accordance with the high vision of King Mohammed VI, focusing on issues that relate to peace, security and development. The trust placed in the kingdom is materialized by the pioneering role that Morocco has played as a regional hub in Africa, through the peaceful use of nuclear technology as a means to address its socio-economic challenges, particularly in the healthcare and agriculture sectors, in the face of water stress challenges and the need to ensure constant food security. 

The role of an AFCONE Commissioner, as a vital part of the African Union responsible for ensuring the implementation of the Pelindaba Treaty for a nuclear-weapon-free Africa, is highly strategic, technical, and diplomatic. The AFCONE serves as a regional African organization affiliated with the African Union Commission. In accordance with the Pelindaba Treaty, the body is strictly mandated to serve as the Secretariat of the Treaty and promote both industrial and socio-economic growth in Africa through the coordination and promotion of peaceful, safe and secure usage of nuclear science and technology. 

Additionally as of May 28th, Morocco has become the most industrialised economy on the African continent, dethroning South Africa for the first time, with the milestone coming as a result of a targeted pro-industry political strategy launched twenty years ago under King Mohammed VI. The kingdom is capitalising on South Africa’s economic decline while reaping the rewards of its own structural reforms.

The delegation that is representing the Kingdom is currently led by Ambassador Mohamed Arrouchi, a Permanent Representative of the Kingdom to the African Union and UNECA (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa). It also includes representatives from the National Centre for Energy, Sciences and Nuclear Techniques (CNESTEN) and the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR).

North Africa Post, Maghrebi.org.