Nuclear Disarmament as a Regional Security Strategy in the Indian Ocean

• The Comoros and Seychelles have ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) to promote regional stability and prevent nuclear militarization.
• Accession to the TPNW serves as a complement to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the African nuclear-weapon-free zone established by the Pelindaba Treaty.

Strategic Importance of the Region

• East Africa and the Indian Ocean, particularly the Mozambique Channel, are critical nodes for international trade, energy security, and maritime logistics.
• Regional powers are increasingly competing for influence, necessitating proactive measures to prevent economic rivalry from escalating into nuclear or military confrontation.
• TPNW membership allows small states to transform geographic vulnerability into diplomatic influence by setting regional standards for security.

Diplomacy and Governance

• The Comoros and Seychelles demonstrate that small states can drive international norms through foreign policy initiatives.
• Strengthening regional cooperation through bodies like the African Union and regional organizations can help coastal states speak with one voice on nuclear risk prevention.
• Regional dialogue must address the security implications of foreign military presence in areas like Djibouti, Diego Garcia, and French territories in the region.

Security and Economic Benefits

• Shifting toward a doctrine of risk prevention and transparency protects resources that would otherwise be diverted to an arms race.
• Preventing nuclearization allows states to focus on developmental priorities such as infrastructure, maritime security, energy transition, and human development.
• TPNW membership does not restrict peaceful uses of nuclear energy, maintaining access to technological and scientific advancement for civilian purposes.

Future Roadmap

• A collective regional approach could involve:
  • National strategic assessments of the impacts of TPNW accession.
  • Deepening the involvement of civil society in policy research and regional advocacy.
  • Establishing a formal regional roadmap for universalization, supported by institutional partners like the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE).