Organisation of Islamic Cooperation elects Mauritanian diplomat as new secretary-general

Dubai - The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), comprising 57 member states, has elected Mauritanian diplomat Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed as its new secretary-general, effective November 2026. Ould Cheikh Ahmed succeeds Chad's Hussein Ibrahim Taha, whose term is set to conclude. This appointment brings an experienced diplomat with over three decades in international affairs to the organization's leadership in Jeddah.

The OIC charter mandates a five-year term for the secretary-general, which can be renewed once, with selection based on principles of equitable geographical distribution, rotation, and equal opportunity, considering competence, integrity, and experience. Ould Cheikh Ahmed's candidacy has garnered support from various continental organizations, including the African Union, which endorsed him in February for the 2027-2032 term.

As the head of one of the world's largest intergovernmental organizations, Ould Cheikh Ahmed's leadership will oversee a body with a diverse membership spanning the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.