Dr Robert Floyd, who serves as the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation, has expressed deep concern over what he described as an alarming resurgence of rhetoric around nuclear weapons testing by global leaders.
Speaking in Lagos on Thursday during a lecture at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Floyd characterised the recent developments as “dark clouds” gathering over global security. He observed that it was particularly troubling to hear countries that once championed nuclear deterrence now making what he termed dangerous statements suggesting a return to testing.
During his presentation titled The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty as a Model of Multilateral Success: What it Means for Africa, Today and Tomorrow, Floyd pointed out that North Korea remains the only nation to have developed nuclear weapons within the last 20 years. However, he warned that the world currently faces two overarching existential threats: the possibility of nuclear conflict and the worsening impacts of climate change.
“The concern I have is that in recent years we have heard open threats about the possible use of nuclear weapons,” he said.
“Before now, it was all about deterrence—countries kept nuclear weapons only to discourage attacks. But now, we are hearing language that suggests actual use. That is very dangerous. It’s not a language anyone should be using. It is harmful to global peace and security.”
Floyd, however, hailed the success of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, stressing that it has helped curtail nuclear tests globally.
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“This treaty has been a success. You are either a signatory or you’re not. I love it when even the smallest states make their voices heard,” he said.
“But there are dark clouds. Some countries are threatening to use nuclear weapons, while others are hinting at returning to nuclear tests.”
Dr Floyd emphasised that nuclear war and climate change should not be viewed as distant possibilities but rather as immediate and critical dangers confronting humanity. Addressing young people directly, he encouraged them to remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding the planet and the future of humankind.
He reminded his audience that the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, established in 1996, prohibits any form of nuclear explosion—be it military tests or civilian uses—across land, sea, air, or underground.
Floyd further appealed for diplomatic solutions, cautioning that any outbreak of nuclear conflict would leave the world without victors and only unimaginable human suffering in its wake.