How to Smuggle Nukes: Africa Chapter

In the wrong hands, lost or stolen radioactive and nuclear (R/N) materials can be smuggled and used in acts of terrorism and mass disruption. The Department of Energy’s (DoE/NNSA) Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence (NSDD) works with partner countries to detect, disrupt, and investigate the smuggling of R/N materials that could be used in these acts of terrorism. There are several countries in Africa involved in the mining, milling, or transportation of uranium or other radiological materials - South Africa, Niger, Namibia, Djibouti and Tanzania. Historically the NSDD has not been heavily engaged in supporting R/N security efforts of partner nations in Africa, and would like to be more constructively engaged in the region going forward. NSDD needs to be confident that they’re placing their policy and programmatic focus on the most important sources of proliferation risk in Africa.