Addis Ababa: South Africa has welcomed the convening and outcomes of the 6th Conference of States Parties (CSP) to the African Nuclear-Weapons-Free Zone Treaty, also known as the Pelindaba Treaty. The meeting was held from 24 to 25 October 2024 at the headquarters of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said the States Parties have reaffirmed their commitment to the Pelindaba Treaty.

According to South African Government News Agency, the States Parties expressed concern over recent events and actions that have adversely impacted the operations of the Secretariat and the work of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE). “They resolved to take the necessary measures to prevent such challenges in the future and strengthen cooperation among themselves and between the treaty structures,” the statement read.

The department said the parties also reaffirmed the decision taken by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AU
C) on 30 July 2024 to dismiss the former Executive Secretary, Enobot Agboraw. “They decided that a recruitment process to appoint a new Executive Secretary of AFCONE should commence urgently.”

In addition, the States noted the difficult task of the South African government, as the host country, to implement the decision by the AUC Chair regarding the dismissal of the former Executive Secretary. However, they confirmed that no dispute exists between AFCONE and South Africa as the host country but expressed appreciation to the country for its continued cooperation and support and for hosting the AFCONE Headquarters.

“The Department of International Relations and Cooperation trusts that the pronouncement of the 6th CSP outcomes, as well as the dismissal by the High Court of South Africa on 18 September 2024, of the urgent application brought by Mr Enobot Agboraw, against the department regarding the withdrawal of his diplomatic immunities and privileges following termination of his employment contract as Execu
tive Secretary of the AFCONE Secretariat. This will effectively dispel the unfounded and false allegations in recent media reports against officials in the department, who have been carrying out their official responsibilities.”

Meanwhile, the department said South Africa remained fully committed to the Pelindaba Treaty and achieving its objectives. These include the establishment of an effective, impartial and professional Secretariat of AFCONE that can execute its mandate satisfactorily in promoting the peaceful application of nuclear energy on the African continent.

“South Africa will continue to work with all States Parties to the Pelindaba Treaty to prevent any further reputational, operational and financial damage to AFCONE and its Secretariat and to restore its credibility in the interest of the African continent.”