Govt Moves to Prohibit Use of Biological, Toxin We...

Govt Moves to Prohibit Use of Biological, Toxin Weapons

Oscar J Jeke- Zim Now Reporter

The Government of Zimbabwe has taken a decisive step toward strengthening national and global biosecurity by approving the Biological and Toxin Weapons Crimes Bill, 2025, under its ongoing Legislative Programme.

Announced during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, the Bill seeks to prohibit the development, production, possession, transfer, and use of biological agents, toxins, and biological weapons. It also aims to domesticate Zimbabwe’s obligations under key international treaties, including the 1972 United Nations Convention on the Prohibition of Biological and Toxin Weapons and the 1925 Geneva Protocol, which prohibits the use of chemical and bacteriological methods in warfare.

“The Bill criminalizes any activity involving the use of biological agents and toxins for hostile purposes,” Cabinet confirmed. “It will also make it an offence for any person to encourage, assist, counsel, incite, facilitate, or finance the use of such weapons.”

The proposed law will introduce a licensing regime for entities that handle biological agents or toxins strictly for prophylactic, protective, or other peaceful purposes. Any breach of licence terms will constitute a criminal offence.

Zimbabwe’s legislative move comes amid heightened global attention on biosecurity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as growing concerns over the potential misuse of emerging biotechnologies in warfare or acts of terrorism.

Once enacted, the legislation is expected to significantly enhance the country’s legal and institutional capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to biological threats, while aligning Zimbabwe with international standards on biological weapons control.