Rwanda Signs Nuclear Energy Deal With Morocco

Left: Director-General of AMSSNuR Dr Khammar Mrabit. Right: RURA Director-General, Patrick Nyirishema.

Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR) to collaborate on nuclear energy developments.

A joint press statement explained that the MoU is to facilitate the collaboration between the RURA and AMSSNuR in the areas of nuclear and radiological safety and security regulations, radioactive waste management and spent fuel management, emergency preparedness and response, capacity building and facilitation of attachment of the staff and to organise and host national and international meetings.

Speaking after the signing of the cooperation agreement, the Director General of AMSSNuR Dr Khammar Mrabit stated that nuclear safety industry encompasses more opportunities for strengthening the signed cooperation.

“There is growing use of ionizing radiation in medical practices in the two countries, and here we can share a lot of experience and exchange information so as to improve the safety of the patients, the safety of the environment and the entire society in general,” said Dr Mrabit.

He added: “We in our field of radiation safety and security we shall do our part together and we are committed to share with you what we have and what we did; and to learn from you.”

Cooperation nuclear energy use

It is also noted that the signed agreement for bilateral cooperation stresses the mutual interest for both RURA and AMSSNuR in pursuing cooperation in the area of nuclear energy use for peaceful purposes.

RURA Director-General, Patrick Nyirishema commented: “There is a lot to learn from their [AMSSNuR] experience in terms of building the capabilities in the country and at an institutional level.

“We can also work with other regulators across Africa and strengthen this field of radiation protection and nuclear security within Africa and have a bigger voice on the global level.”