Swakopmund: Namibia is set to host the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) Integrated Field Exercise (IFE) monitoring event in October 2026. This decision follows Cabinet's authorisation for the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, along with the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, to collaborate with the CTBTO in hosting the integrated field exercise in Swakopmund next year.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Dr. Norton Titus, a diplomat at the Namibian Embassy in Austria specialising in nuclear matters, confirmed that Namibia, being the third-largest exporter of uranium, aims for its uranium to be used solely for peaceful purposes. "We strongly support treaties that prevent uranium from being used to manufacture and develop nuclear weapons, ensuring it is only utilised for peaceful purposes," he said.
He explained that this is the CTBTO's largest and most complex operation, designed to test the readiness of the on-site inspection mechanism that will verify compliance once the treaty comes into effect. He added that although the treaty has been open for signatures for 30 years, it has not yet entered into force. "However, there is a moratorium on nuclear explosions, with 187 countries having signed the treaty, indicating their support for the moratorium. Currently, we monitor compliance through over 300 stations worldwide, including in Namibia, which detect any kind of explosions that occur," he said.
Speaking at the same event, Magdalena Shipiki, Foreign Relations Officer at the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, said that it is a significant opportunity for Namibia, the global south, and developing countries to host next year's event. "It's also very important for us to appreciate why we were chosen. It has been a very long consultative process, both domestically and with the CTBTO. Based on the outcome of these consultations, the Cabinet approved Namibia to host this event," she noted.
Shipiki said this reflects Namibia's leading role in disarmament, non-proliferation, global peace, and security, which is clearly outlined in the Constitution. She emphasised that Namibia hosting this event demonstrates that the country is no longer merely on the sidelines of non-proliferation and disarmament.