WHILE GLOBAL POWERS KEEP THOUSANDS OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS, AFRICA’S ENTIRE CONTINENT IS BOUND BY A TREATY BANNING EVEN ONE: WAS PELINDABA REALLY FAIR TO AFRICA?
Africa, did you know this?
Here is a story that was never taught in schools!
In 1996, the Treaty of Pelindaba was opened for signature in Cairo, creating an African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone that covers the continent and its islands.
It entered into force in 2009. Under it, parties promise not to research, develop, manufacture, stockpile, acquire or possess nuclear explosive devices.
Nearly every African country has signed, and more than 40 have ratified.
South Africa has a special place in this story.
It built six nuclear devices in the 1980s and then dismantled them all voluntarily, joining the Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1991, years before Pelindaba.
It remains the only country to have developed nuclear weapons on its own and then given them up.
Meanwhile, the five recognised nuclear powers, the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom, still hold more than 11,000 warheads between them.
They were invited to sign the treaty’s protocols, promising never to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against Africa.
Russia, China, France and the UK ratified them, while the United States signed in 1996 but has not ratified.
Now think about Africa’s position.
This is a continent rich in the resources the world’s industries depend on, including major uranium producers such as Namibia, Niger and South Africa.
The treaty does not stop Africa from using nuclear energy peacefully, and Ghana’s talks on a 2,000-megawatt plant show that door is open.
So here are respectful questions for His Excellency President Évariste Ndayishimiye, Chairperson of the African Union, and His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission:
1️⃣ What has Africa gained in security from Pelindaba?
2️⃣ Why hasn’t every nuclear power ratified all its protocols?
3️⃣ What is the AU doing to push nuclear powers to keep their own disarmament promises?
4️⃣ How will Africa turn its uranium and minerals into energy, jobs and industry at home?
5️⃣ What more can be done so Africa’s voice carries weight on global security?
Peace is a noble goal, and Africa chose it with open eyes.
But fairness, respect and equal voices are also pan-African values.
Knowledge is power, and an informed continent is a strong continent.
What do you think, Africa? Share this and drop your thoughts below!
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