ICAN calls for ECOWAS support in abolition of nuclear weapons
By Punarimam Fehintola
The international campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons ICAN has called on ECOWAS Parliament to support the abolishment of of nuclear weapons in the Subregion.
Rev Kolade Fadahunsi a representative of ICAN and the institution of church and society urged member countries to consider the dangers associated with these weapons and discourage the use as the UN humanitarian agencies agree that the risk of nuclear weapons use is currently as high as the peak of the cold war.
He made this discloser during the ongoing ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja where he added that “Africa may be free of nuclear weapons, but the continent is not free of their effects. The use of nuclear weapons anywhere would have disastrous consequences that would quickly ripple across the world”.
Rev Kolade further explained that the impact on food security, migration, infrastructure and development would be devastating.
“Just as with other conflict, war and disasters, the most vulnerable communities will be disproportionate affects”.
He added that that to date ,21 African states – of which 8 are ECOWAS members have signed the treaty while others are yet to sign.
“The treaty of pelindaba ,which was opened for signature at Cairo on 11 April 1996 and entered into force on 15th July 2009 ,has 41 States parties. As at 25th October 2018, of the States parties to the treaty of Pelindaba ,only one had both signed the ratified the TPNW The Gambia though 16 had signed treaty”.
“We kindly entreat each of you, as you return to your various National Parliament to make the TPNW a personal agenda and champion the processes that will eventually lead your country to sign and ratify or accedes to the treaty. By doing so, each state will make a significant contribution to disarmament and peace”.
