The 7th Conference of States Parties (CSP) to the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty convened on 25–26 June 2026, at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
State Parties to the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Pelindaba Treaty) have formally reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to keeping the African continent free from nuclear weapons, while advancing the safe, peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology.
Continental delegates met at the African Union in Addis Ababa for the 7th Conference of States Parties (CSP) to evaluate the enforcement of the Pelindaba Treaty. The CSP acts as the supreme governance authority for the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE).
During the conference, member states collectively pledged to continue enforcing the core pillars of the Treaty, including Nuclear Non-Proliferation, Environmental Protection and Peaceful Applications.
During the opening sessions, AFCONE Chairperson H.E. Gaspard Liyoko Mboyo underscored the continent’s steadfast dedication to nuclear disarmament, continental peace, and the peaceful application of atomic science to drive sustainable development.
A section of delegation at the 7th Conference of States Parties (CSP) to the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, 25–26 June 2026, at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The session was opened with welcoming remarks by H.E. the Chairperson of the 6th CSP, H.E. Ishagh Mohammed Moussa who expressed gratitude to the Secretariat, the AU Commission, and AU Member States for their support in addressing a number of key institutional challenges over the past period. He recalled the foundational aim of the Treaty of establishing an NWFZ rooted in the collective unity of all AU Member States and noted that the current period represents an important juncture in history, in line with the vision of the AU Founding Fathers.
The 6th CSP Chairperson commended the achievements of AFCONE over the preceding two years, including progress under Article 7 in managing the institutional crisis within AFCONE, and expressed gratitude to the Bureau for its support in handling that matter. H.E. Moussa concluded by noting that the current Bureau was handing over to the incoming Chairperson of AFCONE and called for continued coordination with AU Member States to advance the objectives of the Treaty.
AFCONE Chairperson H.E. Gaspard Liyoko MBOYO attending the Conference of State Parties (CSP) to the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, 25–26 June 2026, at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
H.E. Ambassador Bankole, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) delivered the key address on behalf of H.E. Mahmoud Ali Yusuf, Chairperson of the AU Commission. He commended the leadership of AFCONE and the continued commitment of State Parties and expressed gratitude to regional and international partners for their sustained support. He further highlighted the strategic importance of AFCONE within APSA, emphasizing its role in ensuring compliance with legal obligations of State Parties, promoting nuclear safety and security, and facilitating the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology for development.
AFCONE Vice -Chair H.E. Ahmed Bezeid Deida attending the Conference of State Parties (CSP) to the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, 25–26 June 2026, at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
In a major push to bolster global non-proliferation frameworks, the Conference of States Parties (CSP) gathered prominent diplomats, African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) representatives, and experts in a high-level assembly.
The assembly served as a critical platform to assess the ongoing implementation of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Pelindaba Treaty) and to reaffirm the continent’s commitment to a nuclear-free future.
Discussions focused heavily on the enforcement of international agreements, nuclear applications, regional progress in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
AFCONE Acting Executive Secretary Mr Collins OMONDI attending the Conference of State Parties (CSP) to the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, 25–26 June 2026, at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The two-day conference yielded a sweeping series of declarations and strategic mandates aimed at balancing global security with regional socio-economic development including acceleration of national treaty ratifications and pushed for legally binding Negative Security Assurances (NSAs) from nuclear-weapon states.
Delegates reaffirmed that nuclear science as critical for achieving the AU Agenda 2063, specifically expanding its use in agriculture, radiation medicine, and clean energy generation. The Conference finalized oversight mandates for the AFCONE Secretariat, voting on member state representation and reviewing the organization’s regional compliance mechanisms.