• Mauritania to digitize justice system under reform program led by President Ghazouani
• Key measures include IT infrastructure assessment, online nationality request system, and websites for courts and judicial services.

The Mauritanian government is set to integrate digital technologies into its justice reform program, one of the key directions adopted during a meeting of the High Committee for Justice Reform and Development, chaired on Tuesday, May 20, by President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani (photo).

According to the official statement released after the meeting, several measures are planned to modernize the justice system. These include conducting a diagnostic study to identify needs in IT equipment and digital infrastructure, creating an online system for processing nationality requests, and developing websites for courts and judicial services.

This initiative aligns with the Mauritanian government’s broader ambition for digital transformation. Authorities aim to integrate digital tools into public administration to modernize services, boost transparency, and stimulate social and economic development. Several services have already been digitized in recent months, including criminal record requests.

The digitization of the justice sector is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The agency notes that digital tools can enhance efficiency, transparency, and access to justice. “When implemented strategically, digital justice can advance the rule of law and protect human rights, while strengthening the effectiveness of judicial systems and institutions.”

However, the UNDP also warns of the risks linked to digitization. Digital systems may expose personal and legal data to abuse, including privacy violations, hacking, data sales, or biased predictive tools. Additional challenges include limited Internet coverage, lack of compatible equipment, high costs of digital services, and insufficient user skills.

By Isaac K. Kassouwi,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji