The legal regime governing the application and control of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in Tanzania: an assessment of selected international nuclear agreements and their impact

The legal framework governing nuclear activities in Tanzania and the control mechanism envisaged under international law have been examined. In effect, this study attempted to assess some selected international nuclear agreements with a view to critically considering their significance (impact) in Tanzania. The study identified six categories under which nuclear agreements could be found. These categories are as follows: (1) Non Proliferation and Physical Protection, (2) Emergency Preparedness and Response, (3) Safety of Nuclear Facilities and Radioactive Waste Management, (4) Illicit Trafficking in Radioactive Materials, (5) Nuclear Liability and Coverage and (6) Research, Training and Project Related Agreements. In each of these categories, several agreements were specified and discussed to determine their relevancy as aforesaid. It was found that Tanzania had adopted (acceded and or ratified) some of those agreements but none of them have been domesticated to reflect national measures contemplated under the said agreements. It was further found that ratification and domestication of the respective agreements had a positive impact in terms of technical, financial and training assistance extended to Tanzania by the IAEA. Thus, the study finally recommended and called upon Tanzania not only to accede and or ratify the said agreements but also to domesticate them in order to facilitate the transfer of safe and peaceful nuclear technology to Tanzania and accordingly attain the desired benefits for socio-economic development of the country.