The 2000 NPT Review Conference (RevCon)
14 April - 19 May 2000, New York   

NPT/CONF.2000/14* 

Memorandum on activities relating to the African Nuclear­Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Pelindaba Treaty) 

Submitted by the Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity

29 April 2000 

 
Introduction 

1. At its meeting in Pelindaba, South Africa, on 2 June 1995, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) agreed to establish the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (the Treaty of Pelindaba). 

2. The Pelindaba Treaty is based on the following broad principles for African countries: 

(a) The need to take all steps in achieving the ultimate goal of a world entirely free of nuclear weapons, as well as the obligations of all States to contribute to that end; 

(b) To contribute towards strengthening the non-proliferation regime, promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, promote general and complete disarmament, and enhance regional and international peace and security so as to contribute to global disarmament efforts; 

(c) To protect African States against possible nuclear attacks on their territories; 

(d) Cognizant of existing international treaties and advantages to be derived, especially from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to develop research on, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination and to facilitate the fullest possible exchange of equipment, materials and scientific and technological information for such purposes; 

(e) To promote regional cooperation for the development and practical application of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in the interest of the sustainable social and economic development of the African continent; 

(f) To keep Africa free of environmental pollution by radioactive wastes and other radioactive matter; 

(g) To cooperate with all States, governmental and non-governmental organizations committed to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones, for the attainment of its objectives and/or a world entirely free of nuclear weapons. 

3. The Organization of African Unity considers the Treaty of Pelindaba to be the culmination of the principles on the denuclearization of Africa espoused by the African Heads of State and Government since its inception in May 1963 and reaffirmed at its Summit in July 1964 in Cairo and subsequently pursued at various forums. The establishment of the African nuclear­weapon-free zone will further enhance global security, the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and world peace. 

4. The Organization of African Unity, at various forums, has consistently advocated the maintenance of an African nuclear-free zone and the use of nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes. The States members of the Treaty of Pelindaba are, as such committed, not only to the general principles of denuclearization, but also to nuclear non-proliferation as well as the maintenance of positive collaboration with other nuclear-free zones. 

5. The Treaty of Pelindaba, adopted by the sixty­second ordinary session of the OAU Council of Ministers and endorsed by the thirty-first session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, was, in accordance with its article 18, paragraph 1, opened for signature on 11 April 1996 in Cairo and will remain open until its entry into force. 

6. To date, the Treaty has been signed by 50 member States, of which the 12 member States that have ratified have also deposited instruments of ratification with the Secretary General of OAU, in accordance with article 21, paragraph 1. 

7. In application of article 18, paragraph 2, the Annexes Treaty of Pelindaba will only enter into force on   the date of deposit of the twenty-eighth instrument of ratification. Although the Treaty has as such not yet entered into force, mainly owing to differing legal procedures, OAU member States have been urged to expedite ratification of the Treaty and deposit their instruments of ratification with the Secretary General of OAU.' It is expected that the Treaty will enter into force in due course. 

The Treaty 

8. The Pelindaba Treaty contains a series of preambular paragraphs enunciating the guiding principles of the denuclearization of Africa, disarmament and the establishment of a nuclear-free zone; 22 articles and 4 annexes. Under its terms, apart from definitions/use of terms and application of the Treaty, the parties pledge to each other the following: 

(a) Renunciation of nuclear explosive devices; 

(b) Prevention of the stationing of nuclear explosive devices; 

(c) Prohibition of the testing of nuclear explosive devices; 

(d) Declaration, dismantling, destruction or conversion of nuclear explosive devices and the facilities for their manufacture; 

(e) Prohibition of dumping of radioactive wastes. 

(f) Promotion of peaceful nuclear activities and verification of their peaceful uses; 

(g) Protection of nuclear materials and facilities and prohibition of armed attacks on nuclear installations; 

(h) Establishment of an African Commission on Nuclear Energy as a mechanism for compliance; 

(i) Reporting and exchanges of information on nuclear activities; 

(j) Also, articles related to: interpretation of the Treaty; reservations; duration; signature; ratification and entry into force; amendments; withdrawal; depository functions; and status of the annexes. 

9. The four annexes to the Treaty include a map of an African nuclear-weapon-free zone and make provision for the safeguards with regard to the International Atomic Energy Agency; the role and functions of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy; and the procedure for complaints and settlement of disputes. 

Protocols 

10. In addition to the Treaty and annexes, there are also three Protocols related to Treaty association with extra-continental powers. Protocol I calls upon and invites China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America to enter into concert and safeguard the denuclearization of Africa; Protocol II addresses the same parties to undertake not to test or assist or encourage nuclear testing of any nuclear explosive device and not to contribute to any act that may constitute a violation of the Treaty or of the Protocol; and Protocol III calls upon and invites France and Spain to adhere similarly. 

11. In spite of initial reservations by some countries, it is expected that upon the entry into force of the Treaty of Pelindaba, the powers referred to in the Protocols will sign and ratify the Protocols. 

2000 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons 

12. The Organization of African Unity has urged its members to participate fully in the 2000 Review Conference in order to support the position of the continent on the issue of denuclearization and the non­proliferation of nuclear weapons so as to ensure world peace and security. 

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