Somalia signs the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)
GOOBJOOG NEWS | NEW YORK: The Federal Government of Somalia has signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) becoming the 187th country in the world to pen the treaty.
Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Abukar Dahir Osman signed the treaty during an official ceremony in New York which was witnessed by Chief of the Treaty Section of the UN Office of Legal Affairs David Nanopoulos, taking a crucial step towards boosting global peace and security.
The move comes after the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the East African state, Abshir Omar Jama Huruse made a pledge to sign the Treaty at the high-level opening of the CTBT Science and Technology Conference in Vienna on 19 June 2023.
“We understand the signing the CTBT is not just a symbolic gesture but a testament to our unwavering dedication to global peace and security,” said the Somali Minister at the biennial event, which brought together around 2,000 researchers, scientists, technologists, academics, civil society representatives, and delegates from States Signatories around the world.
Robert Floyd, the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), expressed profound gratitude to Somalia for this significant step.
End nuclear testing
By signing the CTBT, Somalia adds its voice to the resounding global call for an end to nuclear testing. Floyd also lauded Africa’s commendable leadership in the realm of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
“I am deeply grateful to Somalia for stepping forward and bringing Africa closer to complete adherence to the CTBT. The region’s leadership in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament is highly commendable,” added the CTBTO head.
Out of the 54 regional African States, a notable 50 have ratified the CTBT to date. Furthermore, Africa is host to 38 of the CTBT’s 303 International Monitoring System (IMS) facilities, underscoring the continent’s pivotal role in advancing the objectives of the treaty.
During a visit to Somalia in February, the Floyd met with the country’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and Minister Jama Huruse, who conveyed a strong commitment to the CTBT.
He also engaged in discussions with Somalia’s Justice Minister Hassan Moalim, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ms Khadija Mohamed and Speaker of Parliament, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur.
The United Nations Under-Secretary-General of Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu sent a message to mark the momentous occasion, saying, “The full potential of the CTBTO will only be realized through the CTBT’s entry into force.”