An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) team of experts completed a first mission to the Republic of the Congo at the request of the Government. The five-person team was hosted by the Nuclear Regulatory Cell of the Ministry of Justice, Human Rights & Promotion of Indigenous People of the Congo. The mission reviewed the security of radioactive material, associated facilities and activities in the country. and also reviewed the legislative and regulatory framework for the security of radioactive material.
The Congo uses nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes in various sectors, including industry, health, mining, education and environment. The IPPAS team peer reviewed implementation of the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), which the Congo acceded to in 2021, ratifying its amendment in 2023, and implementation of the Code of Conduct on the Safety & Security of Radioactive Sources.
The IPPAS team, led by Frédéric Mariotte from France, included experts from Burkina Faso, Ghana, Jordan, as well as one IAEA staff member. The team held discussions with the Ministry of Justice, Human Rights and Promotion of Indigenous People, the Ministry of Interior, Decentralisation and Local Development, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Technological Innovations, and the Ministry of Health and People.
The team observed that the nuclear security regime is in the early phase of establishment and provided recommendations and suggestions to support the Congo in developing, enhancing and sustaining nuclear security.
Heather Looney, Head of the Nuclear Security of Materials & Facilities Section of the IAEA ‘s Division of Nuclear Security, said that the IPPAS mission to the Congo comes amid the national authorities’ efforts to develop and implement all necessary elements required to fulfil their responsibilities in the area of nuclear security. “We trust that the findings of the IPPAS mission will inform the country’s plans to enhance the national nuclear security regime.”
“The Republic of Congo has welcomed the IPPAS Mission and believes that the recommendations made will help the country improve and enhance its nuclear security regime,” said Gaspard Liyoko Mboyo, President of the Nuclear Regulatory Cell. “We thank the IAEA for its continuous assistance to the Republic of Congo.”
