Over one hundred African experts took part in a workshop held lately in Rabat to strengthen cooperation to counter threats of proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Africa.
The event was organized by the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) in partnership with the EU Chemical,Biological,Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (EU CBRN CoE) and UN Interregional Crime & Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).
Held within the frame of DTRA’s International Counterproliferation Program (ICP),the workshop brought together African officials representing law enforcement,military,policy and UNSCR-1540 national coordination committee.
UNSCR 1540 is a legally binding United Nations Security Council resolution adopted in 2004. It aims to prevent the proliferation of nuclear,chemical,and biological weapons (WMD) and their delivery systems to non-state actors. It commands all UN member states to adopt and enforce appropriate and effective measures to prevent the proliferation of WMDs,including establishing effective controls over related materials.
Participants at Rabat’s “Africa Shield 2025 Counterproliferation Workshop”
discussed international best practices,shared information on key programs and initiatives,and explored ways to strengthen counterproliferation efforts across the region.
Debates focused on border security management,WMD smuggling by non-state actors,the transportation & storage of illicit goods and dual-use items,as well as intelligence sharing and coordination to effectively respond to potential WMD/CBRN incidents.
They also discussed export controls over dual-use technologies,CBRN crime investigation and counter-proliferation financing. The Rabat meeting was an opportunity for participants to broaden their knowledge,identify regional capability gaps,and forge connections with fellow counterproliferation professionals.
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