Sudan reinstates sweeping powers for intelligence service

New law raises fears of a return to era of Islamist dictatorship

Sudan's military-led government has approved a new law granting the intelligence service broad powers and immunities, raising concerns about a return to repressive tactics employed under the ousted Islamist regime of Omar al-Bashir. Al-Bashir was ousted by a popular uprising in April 2019 after 30 years in power.

The General Intelligence Service (GIS) Law (2024 Amendment), passed last week in a joint meeting of the Transitional Sovereign Council and the Council of Ministers, empowers intelligence officers to gather information, summon and interrogate individuals, conduct surveillance and searches, detain suspects, and seize assets.

It also grants extensive immunities, shielding personnel from criminal or civil prosecution without the head of the spy agency’s approval. In capital punishment cases, the director holds the authority to form a special court.

“Any act committed by any member of the agency in good faith during or because of the performance of his job duties, or the performance of any duty imposed on him, or from any act issued by him under any authority authorized or granted to him under this law, shall not be considered a crime,” the law said in its article 52.