Confidential Documents, Information: PM Gives Instructions on Management

Circular N°003/Cab/Pm Of 28 March 2018 On The Management Of Confidential Documents And Information belonging To The State And Public Institutions.

THE PRIME MINISTER, HEAD OF GOVERNMENT,

TO

- THE VICE-PRIME MINISTER;

- MINISTERS OF STATE;

- MINISTERS;

- MINISTERS DELEGATE;

- SECRETARIES OF STATE;

- HEADS OF DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS;

- HEADS OF ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS;

- EXECUTIVE HEADS OF REGIONAL AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES;

- DIRECTORS GENERAL OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS AND STATE

- OWNED COMPANIES.

It has come to my knowledge that in violation of the laws and regulations in force, confidential documents and information belonging to the State and public institutions are recurrently disclosed to unauthorized entities.

This phenomenon is gaining ground due to the growing use of the Internet and its offshoots, and the advent of new electronic communications tools which facilitate the spread of information. Thus, we observe the recurrent dissemination, on "social media" or on other mass media, of sensitive documents often inscribed with the words "CONFIDENTIAL", "SECRET" or "TOP SECRET", as the case may be.

This has also been observed in the dissemination of information on field operations of our security and defense forces, and on ongoing proceedings before the courts.

Added to the fact that these improprieties are likely to compromise the effectiveness of Government's action, they also jeopardise State security which is increasingly confronted with multifaceted threats. In order to put an end to this phenomenon, and pending the finalization of State data management platforms and charters, I henceforth ask you to:

1- Ensure improved compliance with the obligation of professional discretion by public officials under your responsibility, as enshrined in the General Statutes of the Civil Service;

2- Ensure strict compliance with the laws in force on the management of confidential State documents, especially...