West Darfuris torch offices of Intelligence Service

On Thursday, angry protesters attacked the offices of the West Darfur General Intelligence Service (GIS) in Asonga, after a young man was allegedly tortured by militiamen. The buildings burned to the ground.

A listener explained to Radio Dabanga that problems started when elements of the Rapid Support Forces, Sudan’s main government militia, abused residents of Asonga, 27 km east of the West Darfur capital El Geneina, on Wednesday evening.

“As a result, a dispute broke out. The militiamen then took a young man with them to the offices of the security apparatus, and tortured him,” he reported.

“The next morning, a number of angry people set the offices on fire. Members of the GIS shot at them, and wounded three people. A security offices was injured as well.”

He said that a security force from El Geneina arrived, and evacuated the security officers.

NISS becomes GIS

At the end of July, the then ruling Military Council agreed to reform Sudan's infamous National Intelligence and Security Apparatus (NISS), to adjust its competences, and to change its name to the General Intelligence Service (GIS).

The Sudan News Agency (SUNA) reported on July 29 that TMC chairman Abdelfattah El Burhan issued a constitutional decree to amend several articles of the National National Security Act of 2010, in order to restructure the security apparatus.

The new intelligence service is no longer authorised to carry out search operations and to detain people.

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