A high-level delegation from Djibouti recently participated in the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna from September 14-18. Led by Ambassador Yacin Houssein Doualé, the delegation highlighted the country's advancements in nuclear and radiological safety, as well as several technical cooperation projects in health, environment, and energy. The participation reaffirmed Djibouti's commitment to non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and disarmament, particularly in the Middle East.
During the conference, Ambassador Doualé presented the cooperation between Djibouti and the IAEA, focusing on developing civilian applications of nuclear technology. One of the key projects discussed was the establishment of a cancer treatment center using radiotherapy, initiated under the vision of President Ismail Omar Guelleh. This project is supported by the Islamic Development Bank and the IAEA through the "Rays of Hope" initiative, which aims to improve access to radiotherapy and enhance cancer care in Djibouti.
The "Rays of Hope" initiative and the cancer treatment center project were further discussed at a scientific forum organized on the sidelines of the General Conference. Ambassador Doualé, along with Marwan Mohamed Omar from the National Social Security Fund (CNSS) and Marie Natalis, Director General of the National Authority for Nuclear, Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Safety, engaged with international financial partners. The discussions centered on the scientific, technical, and financial challenges related to developing this project.
The Djiboutian delegation also met with IAEA officials to discuss institutional support for the National Authority for Nuclear, Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Safety. The talks focused on enhancing the authority's capabilities to assume full responsibility for nuclear safety and security. Djibouti showcased its achievements, including the establishment of the National Authority and the Climate and Environment Observatory in East Africa.
Ambassador Doualé addressed current nuclear safety crises and the risks of nuclear accidents worldwide, expressing concerns about the situation in Yemen and the escalating crisis in the Bab el-Mandeb maritime zone. On the sidelines of the conference, he met with Gashaw Gebeyehu Wolde, Director of the IAEA's Africa Division, to discuss Djibouti's submitted projects. Wolde reaffirmed his department's support for the realization of these projects.
The participation of Djibouti in the 70th IAEA General Conference not only highlighted the country's peaceful use of nuclear technology but also strengthened its dialogue with the IAEA on projects related to health, environment, energy, and national capacity building. The conference provided a platform for Djibouti to share its experiences and learn from international best practices in nuclear safety and security.
The strengthened partnership between Djibouti and the IAEA is expected to yield significant benefits in cancer treatment, environmental protection, and energy development. With the support of international organizations and partners, Djibouti aims to enhance its capacities in nuclear safety and security, ultimately contributing to the country's sustainable development.
Key points
- Djibouti and the IAEA are cooperating on a cancer treatment center project using radiotherapy under the "Rays of Hope" initiative.
