Engaging African States to Promote the CTBT
CTBTO executive Secretary Lassina Zerbo addressing the audience
The event, "How does the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty make the world a safer place and what does this Treaty mean for Africa and its Nations?" was hosted by the former Article XIV Conference Co-Chair, Willem van de Voorde, and current Belgium Ambassador to Germany.
The meeting helped to raise awareness about the Treaty’s benefits for African States and engage them in promoting it. Zerbo urged the African continent not to stand at the side-lines of issues relating to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, but to meet global challenges, because its development depends on their outcome.
Participants in the event held in Berlin, Germany
Former Art. XIV conference Co-chair, Ambassador Willem van de Voorde with Lassina Zerbo
Ambassador Cameroun Jean-Marc MPAY, Dean of African Ambassadors in Berlin, with Lassina Zerbo
German State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Antje Leendertse with Lassina Zerbo
Africa should care to implement its nuclear disarmament obligations and play a more active role in addressing current global issues and challenges.
Zerbo said the upcoming 10th anniversary on 15 July 2019, of the entry into force of the Pelindaba Treaty, was an opportunity for African State representatives to do as much as they could to persuade all the countries of the continent to sign and ratify the CTBT.
The Pelindaba Treaty established Africa as a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone. ‘’We shouldn’t have the Pelindaba Treaty in force and fail to get all African States to sign and ratify the CTBT,’’ he stated. Zerbo also met with German Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Antje Leendertse. The discussion focused on the upcoming Article XIV conference co-chaired by Germany and Algeria.
Thx2dear friend & former #ArtXIV Co-Chair @Willem_vdVoorde