Rogelio Pfirter, Director-General, Technical Secretariat, OPCW
This document is available in English, French and Arabic.
The mission of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is to free the world of chemical weapons. 182 countries, including 48 on the African continent, have now joined forces to achieve that goal. This vision is enshrined in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which entered into force in April 1997. Since then, 30 percent of the declared chemical weapons in the form of munitions and 20 percent of declared chemical weapon agent have been destroyed; 85 percent of the former production capacity have been destroyed or converted for peaceful purposes.
However, achieving global chemical disarmament is still a formidable challenge. The threat is real. Chemical weapons can be more easily produced and stockpiled than other forms of weapons of mass destruction. They present a clear danger to all people, in particular in areas of conflict. They also pose a particular risk in the hands of terrorists. Ensuring their complete elimination is not a task that can be dealt with only by some. It requires action by the entire international community.
A chemical weapons-free world will only be achieved if all countries join the CWC and implement it fully. Development, production, stockpiling, transfer or use of chemical weapons must be criminalised in every country.
The CWC provides benefits for all States, both those which have chemical weapons or the capacity to produce them, as well as those that have never possessed or manufactured these weapons. For instance, the OPCW provides assistance to States Parties that are developing their national protection capacity against chemical weapons.
The OPCW also promotes international cooperation in the peaceful uses of chemistry.
Indeed, if all States join and comply with the global ban on the misuse of chemicals, proliferation concerns will ease, and this will further enhance trust and foster economic and technological development.
Africa is a major stakeholder at the OPCW. This brochure lists some of the benefits which membership in the CWC has already brought to Member States in Africa and the OPCW's support in enhancing their national capacity to fully implement the Convention.
In particular, the OPCW provides implementation support for African States Parties to ensure that the national infrastructure needed to effectively implement the CWC can be efficiently and expeditiously established. This team effort serves to strengthen both regional and international security, in addition to bolstering each State Party's regulatory framework. This development brings real economic benefits.
In January 2006, the African Union and the OPCW signed a Memorandum of Understanding that underscores the Organisation’s continuing cooperation in the Convention’s implementation.
We look forward to the continued cooperation of the States Parties in the African region in implementing the CWC effectively.
The Chemical Weapons Convention is an international treaty which bans the development, production, stockpiling, transfer and use of chemical weapons, and requires their destruction within an agreed timeline.
The Convention entered into force in 1997 and mandated the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to eliminate the scourge of chemical weapons forever and to destroy the declared chemical weapons stockpiles within the stipulated timelines.
The OPCW's inspectors monitor and verify the inactivation, and later destruction or conversion, of all declared chemical weapons production facilities, as well as the destruction of all declared chemical weapons stockpiles. At the same time, OPCW inspectors verify the consistency of industrial chemical declarations and, together with the States Parties, monitor the non-diversion of chemicals for activities prohibited under this Convention.
In addition, States Parties undertake to provide protection and assistance through the Organisation, if chemical weapons have been used against a State Party, or if such weapons threaten a State Party. The Chemical Weapons Convention calls for international cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of chemistry.
These figures change periodically. For up-to-date information, please visit the Facts and Figures section of the OPCW website.
The Memorandum seeks to enhance cooperation between the two Organisations to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention and to achieve universality in Africa, in accordance with the decision adopted by the Heads of State and Government of the African Union at Durban, South Africa in July 2002 (Decision AHG/Dec.181 (XXXVIII)).
The universality of the Convention in Africa, the effective national implementation of its provisions, and the increased participation by African Member States in the OPCW’s international cooperation programmes are the Memorandum’s key goals. The Memorandum also establishes an effective mechanism between the African Union Commission and the OPCW Technical Secretariat to collaborate in areas of mutual interest.
“The African Union at the Khartoum (Sudan) Summit of March 2002 declared Africa as a Chemical Weapons–Free Zone. Many African countries have continued to show interest in membership. Out of 169 Member States of the OPCW, 41* are African. This is very encouraging. It is hoped that further cooperation agreements will be reached between the AU and the OPCW in our collective endeavour to make the world a safer place for mankind.”
*As at 6 April 2007, the CWC numbers 182 States Parties, of which 48 are in Africa
In July 2003, the OPCW delegation, headed by Director-General Pfirter, attended the African Union summit, held in Maputo, Mozambique. The implementation of multilateral treaties, including the CWC, as well as African regional conventions contributing to arms control, disarmament, the prevention of terrorism, international cooperation and economic development, were emphasised as critical to endeavours to achieve peace and security on the African continent.
The 38th Session of the Organisation for African Unity adopted Decision AHG/Dec. 181 (XXXVIII) on the Implementation and Universality of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Through that Decision, the Assembly of the African Union TAKES NOTE of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of the Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (hereinafter the Convention) that aims to achieve the effective prohibition of the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons and their destruction; RECALLS United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/55/33 of 20 November 2000 which notes with appreciation the ongoing work to achieve the objective and purpose of the Convention, to ensure the full implementation of its provisions and to provide a forum for consultation and cooperation among States Parties; ALSO RECALLS the steadfast position of Africa regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction and in particular to the Pelindaba Treaty; ACKNOWLEDGES the conclusions and recommendations of the workshop devoted to Africa on the Chemical Weapons Convention held in Khartoum, the Sudan, from 9 to 11 March 2002; WELCOMES the recommendation for an effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention in Africa through sustained technical assistance from the Technical Secretariat of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons; ENCOURAGES the call to achieve universality of the Chemical Weapons Convention in Africa; REQUESTS the Secretary General to inform Council, at its regular sessions, of developments regarding the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the progress made on the issue of universality.
African States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention are actively involved in the work of the OPCW policy-making organs and subsidiary bodies.
H.E. Mr Simbarashe S. Mumbengegwi of Zimbabwe was the Chairman of the Second Session of the Conference —the supreme organ of the OPCW— from 1 December 1997 to 16 November 1998. H.E. Ambassador Noureddine Djoudi, the Permanent Representative of Algeria to the OPCW, was the Chairman of the Seventh Session of the Conference from 7 October 2002 to 20 October 2003, and he was also the Chairman of the First Review Conference that took place from 28 April to 9 May 2003. Algeria and Sudan are Vice- Chairs of the 11th Session of the Conference, and Namibia and Cameroon are represented on the Credentials Committee of the Eleventh Session of the Conference.
Nine African States always represent the African region, on a rotational basis, on the OPCW Executive Council — a 41-member executive organ. From 12 May 2007 to 11 May 2008, the members of the Executive Council are Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Morocco, South Africa, Sudan and Tunisia, and Algeria is a Vice- Chair.
H.E. Abdel Halim Babu Fatih of the Republic of the Sudan was the Chairman of the Executive Council from May 2001 to May 2002; and H.E. Mrs H.B. Mkhize of South Africa, from 12 May 2006 to 11 May 2007.
Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland and Tanzania are also represented on OPCW subsidiary bodies, including the Scientific Advisory Board and the Confidentiality Commission.
Individually and collectively these States Parties make an important contribution to the work of the OPCW.
The contribution of the African regional group is also reflected in a number of senior posts in the Technical Secretariat, held by nationals from African States Parties, including the Director of the International Cooperation and Assistance Division, the Director of Internal Oversight, the Deputy Legal Adviser, a Senior Legal Officer, and the Head of Procurement and Support Services Branch.
Information on the composition of OPCW policy-making organs changes periodically. For up-to-date information, please visit the Member States section of the OPCW website at www.opcw.org.
COMOROS
My country has never lost sight of the importance of this Convention and of the necessity for a total and effective ban on the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer and use of chemical weapons, as well as on the illegal use of chemical products for non-peaceful purposes, and the necessity for their destruction as a guarantee against the threat and use of chemical weapons in Africa.
GHANA
We wish to reaffirm our declaration that Ghana is not a possessor State. Nevertheless, we are also not oblivious of our international obligations given the prevailing global environment marked by ever increasing insecurity and the threat posed by terrorism through the use of chemical weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. Ghana is therefore committed to the universality of the Convention and the non-proliferation as pursued by the UN Security Council.
KENYA
The Chemical Weapons Convention is one of the key instruments of disarmament and non-proliferation and enhancement of peace in the world and fight against terrorism. With the Convention being in operation for one decade and though efforts are being made to meet the obligations of the Covention, my delegation calls on all States Parties to intensify implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention to free the world of chemical weapons.
LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA
The OPCW plays an important and very significant role. It has realised many achievements during its short existence of almost ten years. New States are joining it every year, which confirms the confidence that States put in it and peoples’ desire to get rid of chemical weapons. Such successes are the result of the wise policy followed by this Organisation and the cooperation extended to it by States Parties. In order to preserve and build on these successes, Member States of the OPCW should address all issues with flexibility, keep taking decisions by consensus, avoid the punitive measures approach, and act to further raise awareness amongst nations of the importance of meeting the objectives of the Convention, with a view to achieving its universality and the lofty goal for which it was drafted, to wit, ridding the world of chemical weapons and dedicating resources to development and to the welfare of peoples.
NIGERIA
Nigeria, as a non-possessor of chemical weapons, has stood firm in its commitment to the promotion of the provisions of the CWC, especially in Africa. We therefore take great satisfaction in the remarkable progress being made on the Universality of the Convention… We welcome all the new States Parties to the Convention, and appeal to those States that are not yet party to the CWC, especially those States in Africa, to join as soon as possible. We are convinced that it is the surest way of tackling the menace of weapons of mass destruction, particularly chemical weapons, in order to guaranty our collective security.
SOUTH AFRICA
No other process, institution or mechanism in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation has come close to realising, in a similar manner, the destruction and prohibition of an entire category of weapons. For this to happen , however, all destruction activities should be completed within the deadlines determined by the Convention. This will not only place the Convention and the OPCW's continued successful operations beyond question, but will also ensure all Member States' continued commitment to the non-proliferation ideals of the Convention.
TUNISIA
Tunisia reiterates its call for reinforcement of the international cooperation and assistance programme, and for more action to be taken in this area, with a view to benefiting the majority of the States Parties. The growing number of members of the OPCW family, which has reached 181 States Parties, compels us to reflect on ways of broadening and further diversifying the cooperation programme, in order to meet the aspirations of States Parties that are developing countries with, in particular, the strengthening of the capacity of these States, or "capacity building".
UGANDA
Allow me to reiterate our commitment to the objects and purpose of the CWC as a key element in ensuring that our future generations are not faced with obliteration and destruction by weapons of mass destruction. We can only provide a guarantee when all such weapons of mass destruction are eliminated and all of us join in preventing the production of such weapons so that they can not be used again for purposes against humanity.
NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT (NAM) AND CHINA
NAM CWC States Parties and China emphasize once again that the objectives of the Convention can be best addressed through multilaterally negotiated, universal, comprehensive and non- discriminatory agreements by all CWC States Parties. We reiterate our conviction that facilitation of and participation in the fullest possible exchanges and enhance international cooperation in the field of peaceful chemical activities, aimed at facilitating economic and social development, is a vital element in strengthening implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
The OPCW has developed a range of international cooperation, implementation support and chemical weapons protection-related programmes, through extensive consultations with Member States and their National Authorities. These programmes are directly relevant to the needs and priorities of the African States.
A general overview of the period since Entry into Force of the Chemical Weapons Convention (29 April 1997) is provided below. For more information on these programmes, please see the OPCW website.
The OPCW Associate Programme, which facilitates capacity building, industry-related national implementation of the Convention and the promotion of good practice in chemical manufacturing and safety, has benefited 47 individuals from African States since the Programme's inception in 2000.
The Analytical Skills Development Course, which began in 2004, aims to assist qualified analytical chemists in acquiring further experience and practical knowledge in the analysis of chemicals related to the national implementation of the CWC. This course has benefited 35 chemists from the African region.
The Conference Support Programme is aimed at facilitating the exchange of scientific and technical information. It provides financial support for the organisation of conferences, workshops and seminars on topics relevant to the Convention and facilitates participation at such events. Since 1997, over 398 African participants have benefited from these events. In addition, the Organisation sponsored over 20 events in this region.
The Programme for Support of Research Projects assists small-scale research projects for the development of scientific and technical knowledge in the field of chemistry for industrial, agricultural, research, medical and other peaceful purposes relevant to the Convention. 99 research projects undertaken by African States have benefited
from this support programme.
The Internship Support Programme provides support to scientists and engineers from developing countries to gain experience through internships in laboratories in industrialised countries, such as through conducting advanced research. Since 1997, 21 interns from the African continent have been supported by the Organisation.
The Laboratory Assistance Programme is aimed at improving the technical competence of laboratories engaged in chemical analysis and monitoring. Since 1997, twelve laboratories in the region have benefited from this programme.
The Equipment Exchange Programme facilitates the transfer of used and functional equipment to publicly funded laboratories and other academic institutions in developing countries from institutions in industrialised countries. 23 transfers involving African States have been undertaken since the Programme's inception in 1997.
The Technical Secretariat is engaged in supporting Member States that request any assistance in implementing the provisions of the Convention. Such assistance includes providing assistance in preparing the national legislation necessary to effectively implement the Convention at the national level and, facilitate the enhancement of their National Authorities’ capacity through training programmes, specialised thematic workshops, regional and sub-regional meetings. Over 600 participants from African States Parties have attended OPCW-sponsored implementation support events.
Around 300 participants from Africa have attended workshops and training courses in the field of Assistance and Protection since 1997. Annually, since 2005 the OPCW jointly organises with the South African government assistance and protection courses in Tshwane. Long-term capacity building projects for two African subregions will commence in 2007.
In total, over 1,400 participants from this region have attended events organised by the OPCW's International Cooperation and Assistance Division.
On 28 June 2005, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the African Union, H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR), visited the headquarters of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Following a meeting with Director-General Pfirter, President Obasanjo was welcomed to the Forty-First Session of the Executive Council by its Chairman, H.E.Alfonso M.Dastis, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Spain to the OPCW.
In his address to the Executive Council, President Obasanjo noted that his visit marked the first visit of an African Union Chairman to the OPCW headquarters, which is a demonstration of the African Union's interest in achieving peace and stability on the African continent. In that mission, the African Union expresses its support, solidarity and deep commitment to the objective and purpose of the OPCW in ensuring global peace for all by eliminating an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.
He urged that in the interest of global security the OPCW, its verification regime and the national implementation of the CWC be strengthened, thereby preventing these dangerous materials from falling into the wrong hands. President Obasanjo underlined the importance of the complete destruction of the declared chemical weapons stockpiles within the stipulated deadlines to maintain the CWC's credibility and guarantee the fulfilment of its purpose.
President Obasanjo underscored that the spread of weapons of mass destruction can only be prevented through the collective commitment of all nations.He reiterated the African Union's long-standing resolve to promote disarmament and to ensure that the African continent is a zone free of chemical weapons. He noted that 41* African States were party to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), while the remaining ten African States that had not acceded or ratified the CWC were hampered in doing so by a lack of resources or due to the effects of conflict.*
*As at 6 April 2007, the CWC numbers 182 States Parties, of which 48 are in Africa
The tenth anniversary of Entry into Force of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which falls on 29 April 2007, provides to all States Parties an important opportunity to renew their commitment to the CWC purposes and objectives, including the abolition of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.
26-27 March 2007 |
London, United Kingdom |
UK Celebrations of the 10th Anniversary |
| 3 April 2007 | Buenos Aires, Argentina | High-level meeting of Mercosur and Associate States on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary |
| 14-15 April 2007 | Cavtat, Croatia | Workshop on the 10th Anniversary |
19 April 2007 |
Rome, Italy |
International Conference on the 10th Anniversary |
25-27 April 2007 |
Berlin, Germany |
Symposium on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary |
9 May 2007 |
The Hague |
Opening Memorial and Commemoration Ceremonies |
9 May 2007 |
Tehran, Iran |
10th Anniversary Commemoration ceremony |
15 May 2007 |
Brussels, Belgium |
10th Anniversary Conference |
29 June 2007 |
Sardashat, Iran |
Seminar on chemical weapons |
27-29 August 2007 |
Sapporo, Japan |
Session on the 10th Anniversary |
| 18 - 19 Sept. 2007 | The Hague | OPCW Academic Forum |
| 8 October 2007 | New York, USA | Symposium: "Effective multilateralism as exemplified by the OPCW" |
| October 2007 | Tehran, Iran | International Seminar: "The use of chemical weapons against the Islamic Republic of Iran, its impacts and consequences" |
| 1-2 November 2007 | The Hague | OPCW Industry and Protection Forum |
| 11 November 2007 | Ieper, Belgium | Armistice Day Commemoration |
In 2007, the following OPCW international and regional activities that are relevant to Africa will take place. Please note that this information is subject to change. For the latest information, please visit the Calendar page of the OPCW website.
21-25 May |
Tshwane, South Africa |
3rd Regional Assistance and Protection Course for African States Parties |
| 24-25 July 2007 |
Lusaka, Zambia | Subregional Workshop for Customs Authorities in Southern Africa on Technical Aspects of the Transfers Regime. |
As at 6 April 2007, the OPCW numbers 182 Member States, including 48 in Africa.
For the latest update on participation in the CWC, visit Facts and Figures on the OPCW website (www.opcw.org).
The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on the maps do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the OPCW.
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is an independent disarmament and nonproliferation agency, open to all countries. The OPCW's mission is to achieve the Chemical Weapons Convention's vision of a chemical weapons-free world. The OPCW Member States renounce chemical weapons forever, eliminate chemical weapons stockpiles and their production capacity, and prevent the spread of new chemical weapons.
Every Member State has the right to request assistance and protection against chemical weapons and can depend upon the support of all of its fellow Member States, if a chemical attack is threatened or should occur. The OPCW fosters international cooperation to ensure that all Member States can develop and sustain the national infrastructure to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention and to cooperate in the peaceful uses of chemistry.
Africa and the OPCW
March 2007 Edition
External Relations Division, Technical Secretariat, OPCW
ORGANISATION FOR THE PROHIBITION OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS
Johan de Wittlaan 32
2517 JR The Hague
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 70 416 3300
Fax: +31 70 306 3535
www.opcw.org