Upgrading Physical Security Systems at the Centre Regional d’études Nucléaires de Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for Improved Nuclear Security

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has a formidable history in nuclear technology, as it became the first country in Africa to operate a nuclear reactor in 1959 with the purchase of a General Atomics TRIGA MARK I reactor. The reactor was housed at the Regional Center for Nuclear Studies in Kinshasa, DRC and was used for research purposes. In 1970, a second reactor was purchased and installed, and the facility became known as CREN-K, Centre Regional d’études Nucléaires de Kinshasa. The facility operated under agreements to pursue peaceful nuclear research, including production of medical isotopes in Kinshasa, and was submitted to annual inspections under IAEA guidance.  Throughout the 1990s, CREN-K operated under reduced funding from the DRC government and was forced to reduced operating capacity due to an inability to replace some critical spare parts of the reactor facility (a problem of instrumented fuel element, and CREN-K was forced to reduce the operation of TRICO II at 50 kW). Ultimately, in 2004, the reactor was shut down and placed in an extended shut down status. However, recently and since 2010, DRC expressed interest in restarting the reactor to carry out research and experiments in nuclear energy to ultimately contribute to the development of the country.  In addition to the renewed interest in restarting the reactor at CREN-K, DRC was an active participant in the 67th Session of the IAEA General Conference, which demonstrates a commitment to safe and secure nuclear development and advancement through international cooperation. The US Department of Energy Office of International Nuclear Security conducted a site assessment of CREN-K facilities and working in partnership with the Congo Atomic Energy Commission, and site operator, determined recommended physical security upgrades that would improve the security of the reactor and essential materials. These upgrades were installed in 2023 with a plan for continued collaboration between the US and DRC to conduct assurance visits, develop plans for performance evaluations of the new security systems, and to provide on-going training to site staff, local responders and inspectors.  This paper describes the path taken to develop the partnership between INS and DRC and establish the conditions to determine both the feasibility of site upgrades as well as their implementation and sustainment. It exemplifies the positive relationship between INS and a nation developing their capabilities in the field of nuclear energy and their commitment to nuclear security.