Morocco elected commissioner of African Nuclear Energy Commission

Morocco was unanimously elected on Friday as a Commissioner of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) for a three-year term.

The election took place during the 7th Conference of States Parties to the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, held at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa.

According to Moroccan authorities, the election reflects the confidence placed in the kingdom, in line with the vision of King Mohammed VI, on issues related to peace, security and sustainable development.

The government said the appointment also recognizes Morocco's role as a regional hub for the peaceful use of nuclear technology in Africa. The kingdom has increasingly relied on nuclear applications to address socio-economic challenges, particularly in healthcare and agriculture, including efforts to tackle water scarcity and strengthen food security.

As an organ of the African Union, AFCONE is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Pelindaba Treaty, which establishes Africa as a nuclear-weapon-free zone. Commissioners play a strategic, technical and diplomatic role in ensuring the treaty's implementation across the continent.

Morocco is taking part in the conference through a delegation led by its Permanent Representative to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Mohamed Arrouchi. The delegation also includes representatives of the National Center for Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (CNESTEN) and the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR).