Naoufel Gaied is appointed Executive Secretary of the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law

France welcomes the appointment on Tuesday 5 May 2026 of the French candidate, M. Naoufel Gaied, as Executive Secretary of the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ).

M. Gaied’s appointment fully reflects France’s historic, steadfast commitment to supporting the Institute since its creation, and demonstrates its recognition of the essential role played by the IIJ in strengthening the judicial capacities of States most vulnerable to terrorism, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.

France supports a holistic approach to counter-terrorism, including in particular capacity-building for States and the development of a criminal justice system rooted in the rule of law and respect for human rights, which are an integral part of preventing violent extremism.