Nuclear Security Challenges and Detection Architecture Developments in Northeast Africa: A Comprehensive Analysis

Authors

  • Bokhari Ahmed Moneir, PhD Student Department of National and Regional Security, Faculty of Economics of Infrastructure, UNWE image/svg+xml Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37075/YB.2024.2.08

Keywords:

Northeast africa, Detection architecture, Convention, Regulatory frameworks, Illicit trafficking, Nuclear security, International cooperation
F59

Abstract

Preventing terrorist organizations from getting and using nuclear weapons is a critical global challenge. Among the issues facing nuclear security in northeast Africa are illicit trafficking, political instability, the lack of regulatory frameworks, and limited technical capabilities. Countries like Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia, are increasingly aware of these threats and are actively working to develop their nuclear security and detection architectures and address them. Effective nuclear threats mitigation relies on identifying and intercepting illicit nuclear material movements before they can be used for malicious purposes. This paper examines nuclear security challenges and threats and Nuclear Developments in Northeast Africa in focusing on regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and regional and international cooperation and conventions related to nuclear security. It underscores the importance of a robust detection architecture, highlights the need for continuous improvement in regulatory measures, and calls for stronger international collaboration. Recommendations for future enhancements are also provided.

References

Amer, H. A. (2013). Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (ENRRA), 6th Meeting of Arab Network of Nuclear Regulators (ANNuR). Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (ENRRA). URL: https://gnssn.iaea.org/main/ANNuR/Activity%20Documents%20%20Public/6th%20ANNuR%20Plenary%20Meeting/Egypt1.pdf (accessed 2024-10-19)

Anthony, I. (2013). The role of the European Union in strengthening nuclear security. EU Non-Proliferation Consortium. URL: https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/EUNPC_no-32.pdf (accessed 2024-06-14)

Boureston, J. & Ogilvie-White, T. (2010). Seeking nuclear security through greater international coordination. Council on Foreign Relations.

European Commission (2013). Emergency preparedness and response. URL: https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/nuclear-energy/emergency-preparedness-and-response_en (accessed 2024-02-26)

FNRBA (2009). Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa. URL: https://www.irdp-online.org/sites/default/files/FNRBA_factsheet.pdf (accessed 2024-05-10)

Goodby, J., Coffey, T. & Loeb, C. (2007). Deploying Nuclear Detection Systems A Proposed Strategy for Combating Nuclear Terrorism. URL: https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Portals/68/Documents/DefenseTechnologyPapers/DTP-041.pdf?ver=2017-06-22-143012-093 (accessed 2024-08-01)

Joint Research Centre (2017). JRC, 'Magic Maggiore Technical Reachback Workshop'. Joint Research Centre. URL: https://erncip-project.jrc.ec.europa.eu/events/magic-maggiore-technical-reachback-workshop (accessed 2023-10-01)

IAEA (2011). Nuclear Security Recommendations on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities (INFCIRC/225/Revision 5). URL: https://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/Publications/PDF/Pub1481_web.pdf (accessed 2024-10-23)

IAEA (2013). Nuclear Security Systems and Measures for the Detection of Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material out of Regulatory Control, IAEA Nuclear Security Series N21. URL: https://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1613_web.pdf (accessed 2024-11-21)

IAEA (2018). Nuclear Security Detection Architecture. URL: https://www.iaea.org/topics/nuclear-security-detection-architecture (accessed 2024-02-01)

IAEA (2020). Research Reactors in Africa, IAEA, A directory, 2020 edition. IAEA. URL: https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/20/07/research-reactorsin-africa-2020.pdf (accessed retrieved from)

Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and its Amendment. URL: https://www.iaea.org/publications/documents/conventions/convention-physical-protection-nuclear-material-and-its-amendment (accessed 2024-07-13)

IAEA Factsheets. (2024). IAEA. URL: https://ola.iaea.org/Applications/FactSheets/ (accessed retrieved from)

IAEA (2024). IAEA Database on Trafficking of Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material Records 4243 Incidents Since 1993. ITDB. URL: https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/pressreleases/iaea-database-on-trafficking-of-nuclear-andother-radioactive-material-records-4243-incidents-since-1993 (accessed 2024-09-09)

Ihantola, S., Tengblad, O., Chitumbo, N., Csome, C., Eisheh, J-T., Kröger, E., Paepen, J., Peräjärvi, K., Röning, J., Schneider, F., & Toivonen, H. (2019). Impact of Novel Technologies on Nuclear Security and Emergency Preparedness. Publications Office of the European Union. DOI: https://doi.org/0.2760/52056

Larkin, J. M. (2016). Opportunities and Challenges in Developing Nuclear Security in Africa. International Journal of Nuclear Security, 2(2). DOI: https://doi.org/10.7290/v7ft8hzb

Proclamation No. 1025/2017 Proclamation to Provide for Radiation And Nuclear Protection, No. 1025/2017.

Rock, E. H. (2023). Regional Security Dynamics in the Horn of Africa. FOI Studies in African Security. URL: https://www.foi.se/rest-api/report/FOI%20Memo%208194 (accessed 2024-01-09)

Main stage of construction has begun at El-Dabaa NPP Power Unit 4 (Egypt). (2024). Rosatom. URL: https://atommedia.online/en/2024/01/23/naenergobloke-4-aes-el-dabaa-egip/ (accessed 2024-03-05)

Tengblad, O, Peräjärvi, K, Toivonen, H, Tagziria, H, & Kröger, E A (2019). National and Cross-border expert support for Nuclear Security, The ERNCIP Project Platform. Joint Research Centre (JRC). URL: https://erncip-project.jrc.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/EUR29602.pdf (accessed 2023-10-01)

Turianskyi, Y. (2022). Safety and Security of Nuclear Facilities and Materials in Africa. Policy Insights 135. URL: https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Policy-Insights-135-turianskyi.pdf (accessed 2024-06-01)

The Reporter (2023). Ethiopia to develop nuclear power with Korea's support. URL: https://www.thereporterethiopia.com/37427/ (accessed 2023-10-01)

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2009). Model Guidelines Document for Nuclear Detection.

United Nations (2001). Parliamentary Handbook on Security Council resolution 1373 (2001). Office of Counter-terrorism, Programme Office in Doxa. URL: https://www.un.org/counterterrorism/sites/www.un.org.counterterrorism/files/oct_pe_handbook.pdf (accessed 2023-10-01)

International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005). URL: https://www.unodc.org/documents/treaties/Special/2005%20International%20Convention%20for%20the%20Suppression%20of%20Acts%20of%20Nuclear%20Terrorism.pdf (accessed 2023-10-01)

Resolution 1540 (2004), UNSCR 1540. URL: https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n04/328/43/pdf/n0432843.pdf (accessed 2023-10-01)

United Nations Security Council (2004). The Role of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in support of the Committee established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004), UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004). URL: https://disarmament.unoda.org/wmd/sc1540/ (accessed 2023-10-01)

Downloads

Published

2024-12-23

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Moneir, B. A. (2024). Nuclear Security Challenges and Detection Architecture Developments in Northeast Africa: A Comprehensive Analysis. Yearbook of UNWE, 2, 119-141. https://doi.org/10.37075/YB.2024.2.08