TAEC begins installing special measures to bolster security heading to AFCON finals

ARUSHA: THE Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) has begun putting in place special measures to strengthen nuclear security ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), calling on security and protection stakeholders to work closely to address potential threats.

The move comes as Tanzania continues preparations to co-host the continent’s premier football tournament, which is expected to bring together thousands of players, fans, journalists and visitors from across the world.

TAEC Director General, Professor Najat Mohammed, made the remarks when she opened a five-day workshop aimed at building the capacity of various institutions to prepare for and implement security measures during major public events.

The workshop has brought together officials from the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF), Tanzania Police Force, security agencies, Customs and Immigration authorities, as well as sports stadium managers, with the aim of establishing a coordinated system for responding to radiological or nuclear security threats.

Professor Najat said the scale and international profile of AFCON 2027 required security preparations to begin well in advance, stressing that threat and risk assessments were critical to ensuring the tournament was conducted safely.

“We must ensure that radioactive materials and other nuclear-related materials are not used for criminal, destructive, malicious or other unauthorised purposes during AFCON 2027,” she said.

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She said Tanzania had already made progress in strengthening its capacity to prevent, detect and respond to nuclear security incidents, including establishing radiation detection systems at some border entry points and other strategically important locations.

“Major events such as AFCON 2027 present unique security requirements that call for specialised preparations, including conducting threat and risk assessments, ensuring timely information sharing, establishing an effective command and control system, and deploying radiation detection equipment at appropriate locations,” she said.

Meanwhile, the leader of a team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Lacina Saro, commended Tanzania for beginning its nuclear security preparations early ahead of AFCON 2027.

He said Tanzania’s selection as a host of the tournament was a source of pride, but also carried a major responsibility to ensure the safety and security of participants and spectators.

“Tanzania’s selection to host AFCON 2027 is a matter of pride, but it also comes with responsibility. A nuclear security plan of this scale should therefore be prepared early, thoroughly tested and effectively implemented by trained national teams,” he said.