This is a story about resources, history, global politics, and what it means for Africa’s role in a world still divided by nuclear power.

A Treaty for Peace

In April 1996, African leaders gathered in Cairo and sealed a landmark agreement: the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, better known as the Pelindaba Treaty. The pact, named after a South African nuclear research site, was designed to make the entire continent a nuclear-weapon-free zone.

Under the treaty:

• African states cannot develop, test, acquire, stockpile, or possess nuclear weapons.
• They must not host nuclear explosive devices nor allow stationing of such weapons on their soil.
• Countries are also prohibited from dumping radioactive waste.
• But they can use nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes, like medical research or energy, under international oversight.

The treaty was opened for signature on 12 April 1996 and finally entered into force on 15 July 2009 once enough countries ratified it. Today, tens of African states have signed and ratified the treaty, underlining a collective commitment to disarmament.

Put simply:
Africa chose peace over nukes and enshrined it in law.

Uranium: Africa’s Hidden Power

Yet while African nations forego nuclear weapons, their soil remains rich in uranium, the key fuel that powers nuclear reactors and can be used for weapons.

Experts estimate that Africa holds close to 18% of the world’s identified uranium resources, meaning a significant share of the raw material needed for nuclear fuel is found on the continent.

And production data show just how critical Africa is to the global uranium market:

• Namibia alone accounted for about 11.37% of global uranium output in 2022, making it one of the world’s top producers.
• Niger contributed roughly 4% of global production in the same year, making it another major African uranium supplier.

Taken together, Africa’s contribution to the world’s mined uranium moves well into the teens as a percentage of total output, making it a vital source of this strategic material.

This sets up a stark contrast:

Africa supplies uranium the substance needed for nuclear fuel and weapons but refuses nuclear weapons itself.

The material ends up in the hands of foreign buyers, fueling power plants in Europe, Asia, and beyond, and in some cases enabling the very nuclear programs African leaders vowed not to embrace.

Who Benefits, and Who Doesn’t?

On paper, exporting uranium should be a boost for African economies. But the reality on the ground is more complicated.

Much of Africa’s uranium mining is controlled by multinational corporations or foreign state-linked firms, which provide capital and export markets but capture a large share of the profits. Local governments benefit through taxes and royalties, yet the wealth often leaves the continent rather than catalyzing broad-based development.

In Niger, for example, uranium mining has fueled debates about sovereignty and economic justice. A recent dispute involving the French nuclear firm Orano illustrated how control over uranium resources remains a flashpoint in West Africa, tied to post-colonial economic relations and national pride.

According to the Nuclear Business Platform, Namibia continues to produce large quantities of uranium and is now exploring ways to capture more value from processing and domestic nuclear technology development rather than just exporting raw ore.

A Peaceful Nuclear Future, or Missed Opportunities?

Although the Pelindaba Treaty is strict about weapons, it explicitly permits peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, including for energy generation and research.

South Africa, for instance, operates the continent’s only large commercial nuclear power plant at Koeberg, supplying electricity without weapons. Several other countries, from Egypt to Kenya, have expressed interest in nuclear power to address chronic energy shortages. But building and financing nuclear infrastructure is expensive and complex, and most remain in early planning stages.

This juxtaposition deepens the paradox:
Africa produces much of the fuel that powers nuclear programs elsewhere, but many of its people still lack reliable electricity and the benefits of nuclear technology at home.

What It All Means

Africa’s stance on nuclear weapons is bold and principled: a continent-wide renunciation of nuclear arms at a time when global tensions remain high. It reinforces Africa’s voice in global non-proliferation and underscores a desire for peace and security.

But the contrast between resource wealth and technological power also reveals deeper global inequalities:
Africa supplies the world’s uranium while much of its population remains economically and politically excluded from the benefits of nuclear science and energy.

That’s the real irony.

The post Africa Said “No” to Nuclear Weapons, So Why Does the World Still Come Here for Uranium? appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

For decades, CSOs have tirelessly upheld justice and democracy, acting as the unsung heroes of Kenya’s growth and stability. They have crucially ensured the protection of all Kenyans’ rights. In the past three months alone, civil society and the media have robustly pushed for accountability in public finance management, protected human rights, including freedom of expression and the right to assemble, and actively opposed extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and the theft of public resources.

Amidst these efforts, the government implied in a letter that CSOs fund and support unlawful behavior and unruly protests—a claim that starkly contradicts the mission of these organizations. The coalition categorically repudiates these unfounded accusations in their statement, reiterating their call for the government to uphold the constitution and protect independent civil society organizations and media in Kenya.

The press statement emphasizes that allegations of CSOs being complicit in promoting illegal activities during protests are false. It argues that such accusations aim to tarnish the perception of CSOs among the citizenry. Instead, CSOs have initiated rapid response interventions to meet the pressing needs of Kenyans affected by the crisis, providing legal aid, medical assistance, and psychosocial support. These actions demonstrate a commitment to justice and human rights, not support for lawlessness and violence.

Moreover, the statement addresses the government’s suggestion that funding drives young people, particularly Gen Z, to speak up and use their voices. This notion devalues the genuine contributions of young Kenyans, who have shown remarkable dedication and initiative in advocating for positive change. Their voices shape the future of our nation and deserve respect and recognition.

The coalition expresses deep concern over the violent crackdowns, abductions, and disappearances of Kenyans who have expressed concerns over governance and human rights. These acts of repression against CSOs, human rights defenders, and the media have escalated in recent weeks, with prominent organizations facing increased intimidation, harassment, and threats.

In light of these challenges, the coalition calls upon the government and all stakeholders to protect the Kenyan civic space. CSOs must be allowed to operate without undue interference or baseless accusations. The constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression—rights that must be honored for every Kenyan.

Additionally, the coalition demands accountability in the budget-making process, a thorough constitutional audit of public debt, and the prosecution of those accused of corruption and theft of public funds. Upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all parties are accountable for their actions is paramount.

In conclusion, the coalition resolutely commits to supporting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. They stand in solidarity with civil society organizations and urge the government to recognize and respect these organizations’ indispensable role in Kenya’s progress. They call on Kenyans to stay vigilant and active in their civic duties, assert their direct power in state affairs, and ensure the government keeps channels for direct participation open, even when it causes discomfort to those in authority.

The statement is endorsed by a wide array of organizations, including Action Aid International Kenya, Amnesty International Kenya, Human Rights Watch, and the Law Society of Kenya, among others. Together, they stand united in their mission to uphold the principles of democracy and justice in Kenya.

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Hezena Lemaletian’s journey toward empowerment began with championing the rights of Samburu society. As the Reigning Miss Commonwealth Kenya, the University of Nairobi graduate made history by becoming the first woman from the North to win the national crown.

Lemaletian firmly believes that women, regardless of their appearance, possess the intellect and reasoning capabilities to contribute significantly to society.

Addressing the audience at the event held in Accra Ghana, Lemaletian expressed her gratitude to every patriotic Kenyan youth and all forward-thinking young individuals across the continent. She also raised an essential point about the need to reevaluate the concept of emancipation in Africa, pointing out that more than half of the population comprises consumers, despite the continent’s immense potential.

The post SENATOR HEZENA LEMALETIAN RECEIVES TWO GLOBAL AWARDS appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

In this episode of Women, Peace, and Security Podcats, he narrates how he turned his life around after a period of radicalization. We also discuss the role of women in countering violent extremism, radicalization, and terrorism.

Salim was awarded the Head of State Commendation Award by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018 for his role in countering violent extremism, radicalization, and terrorism in Kenya.

The post FROM RADICAL YOUTH TO AWARD-WINNING PEACE AMBASSADOR appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

How did you find yourself in administration?
I saw a job advertisement in the newspaper in 2014 and applied for it, got shortlisted, did the interview and passed. It was easy because I was qualified.

What is your biggest challenge working in county administration?
First and foremost, people still associate ‘DO’ jobs with men only. In fact, they are shocked when I introduce myself as the ‘DO’ in meetings or dispute meetings. Some locals don’t even think I am capable of handling administrative issues and prefer to escalate personal matters to my seniors.

Secondly, insecurity is a deterrent for women doing my kind of work because there are high-risk areas where we cannot be posted. Moreover, in this industry there is a lot of sexual harassment. It took a lot of time and work for men from patriarchal regions like Kajiado and Laikipia where I have worked to respect me and trust my competence.

Working around these issues must be a challenges?
That’s a good point. Wherever I am posted to work, I do thorough backgrounding and research on laws and cultures of that region. Moreover, any form of employment has a code of conduct to offer guidelines on professional ethics and dealing with work-related issues including sexual harassment.

How do you deal with discrimination?
The fact that I am a Maasai woman working in a male-dominated field, in patriarchal community predisposes me to discrimination. But what really ticks me off is when I tell people I am from Narok and the first thing they want to know is whether I have been ‘cut.’ I have learned to rise above this stigma by not talking about my background.

You are Founder of Lamuriak Woman; what inspired you to launch this initiative?
Lamuriak means wild fruits in Maasai language. Wild fruits grow and blossom without nurturing, pruning, watering, weeds or fencing yet people enjoy the fruits. If Lamuriak were taken care of, they would feed the whole community. A girl is like a Lamuriak, if nurtured, empowered and mentored well, she bears lots of fruits and takes care of the community.

Why is Lamuriak Woman Foundation important to you?

I grew up in the village all my life, living in the most remote parts of Narok County, Narok North Constituency. I went to local schools and necessities like sanitary towels were a luxury. From primary through to secondary school, I relied on my well-off classmates to support and give me sanitary towels every month. I thank God for them because they made my learning journey smooth. Today, God has blessed me with a job and based on my personal experience, it is my turn to pay forward and restore the dignity of women and girls from my community as well as other underpriviledged regions.

What activities are lined up for Lamuriak Woman Foundation?
My plan is to ensure the project is sustainable for girls to attend school the whole year without missing four-five days because of menses. We want to boost their self-esteem and self-worth.

Lamuriak also does mentorship for boys and men…
It is important to mentor boys because if girls are over-empowered, boys feel intimidated interacting with them. They develop stress and lack of motivation in life, leading to drug and substance abuse.

Your thoughts on communities that promote harmful cultural practices like FGM?

I come from the Maasai community, known for propagating practices I highly condemn such as FGM, early marriages and early pregnancies. I am a survivor of FGM but was lucky to overcome and complete my education. My parents didn’t force me to get married because I showed interest in education. I detest FGM because after the practice, the next thing that comes to mind is how to get a boyfriend and before long, the girl Is pregnant. Truth is, some young women elope with boyfriends or are married off by their parents against their wish. Meanwhile, parents celebrate marriage goodies in form of dowry.

Any future plans?
Learning never ends and I am currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Development Studies from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

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