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The IOC General Secretariat
The IOC General Secretariat catherine（https://www.commissionoceanindien.org/en/author/catherine/） 2026-10-23T14:30:38+04:00
The General Secretariat is the executive branch of the Indian Ocean Commission.
Located in Ebène (Mauritius) since July 2012, in modern premises made available by the Mauritian government, the General Secretariat embodies the continuity of the institution and represents the executive branch of the Indian Ocean Commission . It prepares the programmes and projects resulting from the decisions of the authorities, monitors their progress and management, and proposes new orientations to the Member States. As a hub for regional cooperation , the General Secretariat liaises with donors.
The General Secretary
Nominated as head of the General Secretariat by the Council of Ministers for a four-year, non-renewable term.
Dr Ibrahim Norbert Richard IOC Secretary-General
A career diplomat, Dr Ibrahim Norbert Richard is the 11th Secretary-General of the Indian Ocean Commission. He was appointed on 7 April 2026.
His profile is characterised by an in-depth knowledge of international organisations and extensive experience in conducting negotiations and forging strategic partnerships.
A former official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Madagascar, Dr Ibrahim Norbert Richard had served as diplomatic adviser to the Prime Minister since November 2025. Prior to this, he served for five years as Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), where he was responsible for political affairs and human development. In this capacity, he played a leading role in negotiations and strategic dialogues with the European Union and numerous international partners.
Dr Ibrahim Norbert Richard has also served as chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Madagascar in Brussels, research officer at the Centre for Strategic Studies and Analysis within the Madagascan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and head of the Ministry’s Africa Division and Consular and General Affairs Division.
A keen expert on issues relating to official development assistance and international relations, he also served as a lecturer at the National School of Administration in Madagascar, helping to train the country’s diplomatic and consular staff.
The Management Committee of the Indian Ocean Commission
Director at the General Secretariat
The Member States agreed in 2012 to the creation of a Director’s post at the General Secretariat, financed by the secondment of an executive from a Member State. The Director provides coordination, administration and support to the General Secretariat.