On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, the head of Mauritania's Personal Data Protection Authority, Mohamed Amin Ould Sidi, participated in the extraordinary general assembly of the Islamic Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities. The virtual meeting was attended by leaders and representatives from member authorities. The assembly focused on discussing and finalizing the network's charter, a crucial step towards completing the network's institutional and regulatory framework.
The charter aims to establish the network's core objectives, including a permanent cooperation mechanism, channels for exchanging information and experiences, and developing joint initiatives in personal data protection. As one of the founding authorities of the regional network, Mauritania's Personal Data Protection Authority played an active role in the network's establishment. The authority participated in the founding meeting held in Fas, Morocco, on February 18-19, 2025.
The current meeting builds on the ongoing foundational process, which culminated in the executive committee meeting in Istanbul on June 15-16, 2026. During this meeting, the charter was finalized and presented to the general assembly for adoption. Mauritania's Personal Data Protection Authority has strengthened its international and regional presence, joining prominent global and regional bodies. These include the Global Privacy Association, the Francophone Association of Personal Data Protection Authorities, and the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities.
The authority has also expanded its bilateral cooperation by signing partnership agreements with several countries. These agreements were signed with the Senegalese Data Protection Commission, the Algerian National Authority for the Protection of Personal Data, and the Moroccan National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection. These partnerships solidify the exchange of expertise and coordination in security and law.
The meeting was attended by several officials from the Personal Data Protection Authority, including the Secretary-General, Ba Abdoulaye Mamadou, and Samam Moukhtar Amm, advisor for planning, cooperation, monitoring, and evaluation. The Islamic Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities brings together authorities from various countries to promote cooperation and coordination in personal data protection.
The network's charter is expected to enhance collaboration and information sharing among member states. This will enable the development of joint initiatives and projects in personal data protection. The Mauritanian authority's participation in the network reflects its commitment to protecting personal data and promoting international cooperation in this field.
The extraordinary general assembly of the Islamic Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening personal data protection. The adoption of the network's charter marks a significant milestone in the network's development. The Mauritanian authority's involvement in the network is expected to contribute to the growth of a robust and sustainable framework for personal data protection in the region.
Key points
- Mauritania's Personal Data Protection Authority participates in the Islamic Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities to discuss and finalize the network's charter.
