PROJECT 077 (IfS): On-site Technical Support to CBRN Centre of Excellence (CoE) in RABAT

Context

Morocco is currently hosting the European's Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Centers of Excellence (EU CBRN CoE) Initiative. A previous on-site assistance (OSA) was already deployed in the region during the period 2015-2018. The EU CBRN CoE intiative addresses the mitigation of and preparedness against risks related to CBRN material and agents through the implementation of concrete actions in the areas of export control of dual-use goods, illicit trafficking of CBRN materials, bio-safety and bio-security, chemical waste etc. Such initiative gathers several partner countries across the globe, grouped around 8 Regional Secretariats. An On-Site technical assistance (OSA) team is available at the Regional Secretariats to provide technical support to the CBRN Centres of Excellence (CoE).

Overall objective

To strengthen the long-term national and regional capabilities of responsible authorities and administrative infrastructures to develop durable cooperation in the fight against CBRN threats.

Specific objectives

To contribute to strengthen the long-term national and regional CBRN governance and capabilities for CBRN risk mitigation and response to CBRN incidents in the African Atlantic Façade CoE region.

Activities

1. Provide local technical assistance to the National Focal Points and National Teams, to the Regional Secretariats and within the implementation of CoE projects;
2. Coordination, management and quality of results.

Achievements

• From 11 to 13 January 2022 in Cotonou, the OSA led the first workshop to draft the CBRN national action plan to reduce the CBRN risks and the threats in Benin; 
• From 21 to 23 December 2021 in Nouakchott, the OSA led the first workshop to draft the CBRN national action plan to reduce the CBRN risks and the threats in Mauritania;
• On 15 December, the OSA organized a webinar on the issue of the dual use goods and the control export system of their trade;
• On 6-9 December in Beirut (Lebanon), the OSA attended the simulation exercise of two terrorist attacks involving chemical and biological warfare agents, dirty bombs and explosive devices.