AFCONE Structure

The Conference of States Parties

The Conference of States Parties (CSP) to the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Pelindaba Treaty) is the supreme decision-making body of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE), as established under Article 12 of the Treaty. It is composed of all African States that have ratified or acceded to the Treaty and serves as the primary forum for collective decision-making and oversight of the Treaty’s implementation. The Conference provides overall policy and strategic direction for the operation of the Treaty and supervises the work of the AFCONE, ensuring compliance with its objectives and principles.

The first Conference was convened by the Depositary, identified in Article 14 as the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) — whose functions are now exercised by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission — following the Treaty’s entry into force. The Conference elects the twelve members of the AFCONE and determines its headquarters. It also adopts the Commission’s budget and the scale of assessed contributions payable by the States Parties. Conferences are held as necessary and at least every two years. The CSP may also consider measures to ensure compliance and to promote cooperation among States Parties in the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, consistent with the objectives outlined in Article 8 of the Treaty.

The African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE)

The African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE), established under the Treaty of Pelindaba, is responsible for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy, ensuring compliance with non-proliferation obligations, and coordinating related activities. The African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) is composed of twelve Members, each representing a State Party elected by the Conference of States Parties (CSP) for a three-year term, with eligibility for re-election. In electing Members, the CSP gives due regard to equitable regional distribution, the advancement of nuclear science and technology, and relevant technical or legal expertise. 

In accordance with the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Pelindaba Treaty) and its Rules of Procedure, the Commission meets at least once a year in ordinary session and may hold extraordinary sessions as required. Its core functions include verifying compliance with Treaty obligations, collating and analysing reports from States Parties, reviewing the application of IAEA safeguards, arranging consultations and convening Conferences of States Parties, and promoting cooperation at regional and international levels. The Commission also works to establish and strengthen mechanisms for collaboration under the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Training and Development Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA).

The Bureau of the AFCONE 

The Bureau of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) is the executive body responsible for coordinating the activities of the Commission in accordance with the provisions of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Pelindaba Treaty).

The Bureau is composed of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson, and the Executive Secretary. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are elected by the Members of the Commission from among themselves, through a secret ballot and by simple majority vote. The Executive Secretary is designated by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, at the request of the States Parties and in consultation with the AFCONE Chairperson.

The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson serve for a three-year term, which is renewable once, while the Executive Secretary serves for a four-year term, also renewable. The Bureau’s primary function is to coordinate and oversee the implementation of AFCONE’s decisions and activities, ensuring alignment with the Treaty’s objectives and effective execution of the Commission’s programme of work.

The Executive Secretary

The Executive Secretary serves as the head of the Secretariat of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) and is responsible for managing its daily operations and supporting the work of the Commission. The Executive Secretary assists the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Members of the Commission in carrying out their functions; supervises and coordinates the work of the Secretariat staff; maintains proper records of the Commission’s activities; and submits items for consideration by the Commission. The Executive Secretary also oversees the provision of secretarial and logistical services for meetings and activities of the Commission and performs any other functions as may be determined by the Commission.

The Secretariat

The Secretariat of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) serves as the administrative and technical arm of the Commission. It is headed by the Executive Secretary, who is supported by the necessary professional, technical, and administrative staff. The staff of the Secretariat are appointed by the Executive Secretary in accordance with the African Union Staff Rules and Regulations, which also govern their status and conditions of service. The Secretariat is responsible for providing administrative, logistical, and technical support to the Commission and its Bureau, ensuring the effective implementation of AFCONE’s mandate and activities under the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Pelindaba Treaty).