Côte d’Ivoire and IAEA discuss legal framework for nuclear power programme

The IAEA has conducted a legislative mission in Côte d’Ivoire to discuss the legal framework needed to launch a nuclear power programme. The mission was organised after a formal request from the government of Côte d’Ivoire. It aimed to help design a legal framework for the country’s planned nuclear programme. During the visit, IAEA experts talked with local high-level officials and legislators on the legal dimension of nuclear safety, security, and safeguards. Professor Kouame Alphonse Kadjo, Chairman of the Board of the Nuclear Safety and Security Authority (ARSN), said that the discussions were very useful to understand the legal aspects of nuclear energy and provided “invaluable” guidance and expertise for the development of an effective legal framework for his country’s nuclear aspirations. Currently, Côte d’Ivoire has drafted a law on nuclear safety and security that provides the legal framework for the safe and peaceful uses of nuclear applications. During their mission, IAEA experts commented on this draft law and clarified the elements necessary for a comprehensive national nuclear law. One meeting with local authorities was also focused on raising awareness about the main international legal instruments on nuclear safety, security, and liability.
Creating a legal framework is one of the 19 issues identified in the IAEA Milestones Approach which enables the development of a safe and effective nuclear power programme. The legal framework includes the relevant international legal instruments on nuclear safety, security, and liability. It also includes the national legal framework for nuclear power that should comprehensively cover all aspects of nuclear law. Finally, it includes all additional legislation that may affect the nuclear programme.