27 Jan 2016

The cooperation that exists between Botswana and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has increased the awareness of Batswana on the benefits of harnessing nuclear technologies.

Brigadier Mokuedi Sianang of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) said despite the benefits derived from the use of nuclear technology, the risk of unscrupulous people using the technology for malicious purposes or acts of terrorism remain high.

He added that it poses a serious threat to international peace and security. Officially opening a four-day Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan (INSSP) meeting in Gaborone,  Brigadier Sianang said it was pleasing that the meeting attracted stakeholders with varying degrees of responsibility towards safety and security in Botswana. He  said it was a clear demonstration that there was unity on ensuring Botswana’s national security.

He encouraged all participants to apply the knowledge gained from the meeting to enhance nuclear security. Brigadier Sianang also urged participants to note that the nuclear security support plan intends to provide a summary of information regarding all activities being undertaken, or planned to be undertaken by a country with the objective of enhancing nuclear security.

He explained that the INSSP was organised in a framework of functional nuclear security areas and objectives, adding that if addressed it would help provide a systematic enhancement of the country’s ability to protect against nuclear terrorism.

He said the functional areas such as legislative and regulatory framework, prevention, detection, response and sustainability and human resource development were to be reviewed regularly.

Brigadier Sianang said recognising that nuclear security rests entirely with each country; Botswana saw it prudent to draw its own plan in order to facilitate the peaceful use of nuclear energy and contribute to global efforts to combat nuclear terrorism.

He noted that the plan was drafted in 2010, and that the letter of acceptance of the plan forwarded to the IAEA in November 2011 where assurances of the commitment to the activities included in the plan were conveyed to the IAE.

He said the agreed INSSP provides the basis for cooperation support and assistance from the IAEA office. The plan, he added, was subject to review and updating. He added that since its acceptance, “this is the first joint progress review with the IAEA.”

Brigadier Sianang also said Botswana has entered into binding agreements of the agency relevant to nuclear security.

He said Botswana ratified the 2005 amendment to the CPPNM, and that the instrument of ratification was deposited with the IAEA during the 59th regular session of the IAEA general conference last September. Ends