Implementation of the Declaration on the Denuclearization of Africa, G.A. res. 47/76, 47 U.N. GAOR Supp. (No. 49) at 82, U.N. Doc. A/47/49 (1992).


The General Assembly,

Bearing in mind the Declaration on the Denuclearization of Africa adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity at its first ordinary session, held at Cairo from 17 to 21 July 1964, in which they solemnly declare their readiness to undertake, through an international agreement to be concluded under United Nations auspices, not to manufacture or acquire control of atomic weapons,

Recalling its resolution 1652 (XVI) of 24 November 1961, its earliest on the subject, as well as all its previous resolutions on the implementation of the Declaration on the Denuclearization of Africa,

Calling upon all States to consider and respect the continent of Africa and its surrounding areas as a nuclear-weapon-free zone,

Bearing in mind also the provisions of resolutions CM/Res.1342 (LIV) and CM/Res.1395 (LVI) Rev.1 on the implementation of the Declaration on the Denuclearization of Africa adopted by the Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity at its fifty-fourth and fifty-sixth ordinary sessions, held at Abuja from 27 May to 1 June 1991 and at Dakar from 22 to 28 June 1992, respectively,

Noting the accession by South Africa to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons on 10 July 1991,

Noting also that the Government of South Africa has concluded a safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency and committed itself to early and full implementation of the agreement,

Recalling resolution GC(XXXVI)/RES/577 on South Africa's nuclear capabilities, adopted on 25 September 1992 by the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency,

Stressing that the full disclosure of South Africa's nuclear installations and materials is essential to the peace and security of the region and to the success of efforts exerted towards the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone for Africa,

Having considered the report of the Second Meeting of the Group of Experts to Examine the Modalities and Elements for the Preparation and Implementation of a Convention or Treaty on the Denuclearization of Africa, set up jointly by the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations, held at Lome from 28 to 30 April 1992,

Convinced that the evolution of the international situation is conducive to the implementation of the Declaration on the Denuclearization of Africa of 1964, as well as the relevant provisions of the Declaration on Security, Disarmament and Development of 1968 of the Organization of African Unity,

1. Reaffirms that the implementation of the Declaration on the Denuclearization of Africa adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity would be an important measure to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and to promote international peace and security;

2. Strongly renews its call upon all States to consider and respect the continent of Africa and its surrounding areas as a nuclear-weapon-free zone;

3. Takes note of the report of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency on the implementation of the safeguards agreement between the Government of South Africa and the Agency, including the verification of the completeness of the inventory of South Africa's nuclear installations and material;

4. Calls upon South Africa to continue to comply fully with the implementation of its safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency;

5. Commends the Secretary-General for the diligence with which he has rendered effective assistance to the Organization of African Unity in organizing the meetings of the above-mentioned Group of Experts;

6. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Organization of African Unity, to take appropriate action to enable the Group of Experts designated by the United Nations in cooperation with the Organization of African Unity to meet during 1993 at Harare, in order to draw up a draft treaty or convention on the denuclearization of Africa, and to submit the report of the Group of Experts to the General Assembly at its forty-eighth session;

7. Also requests the Secretary-General to report to the General Assembly at its forty-eighth session on the progress made by the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency in ensuring the full implementation of the safeguards agreement with South Africa;

8. Urges all Member States to assist and cooperate with the Secretary-General and the Director General to this end.

88th plenary meeting
15 December 1992


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