AwaitingLaunch_1397728623369

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Beijing and Russia have categorically stated that it would be
“impossible” to share information on its security and defence
policies.
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The EU initiative to lay out some basic rules and guidelines is
admirable but there are problems with the EU approach, such as the
failure to address the role of Africans in the text of the CoC.
The EU has formulated the code without consulting Africa. Because
of this oversight, Africa has strong reservations aboutICoC, unless
the document is revised further.
Space programmes in Africa are emerging and therefore Africa
should be consulted as important partners on the ICoC.
Finally, I recommend that further negotiation of the EU on ICoC should be
continued with Africa. A CoC for space activities should emerge from Africa
for Africans, not from the EU or any other country. Africans must unite and
stand together to respect the interests of Africa.
182 | Awaiting Launch: Perspectives on the Draft ICoC for Outer Space Activities