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Sudan’s Intelligence Agency: A Pillar of National Unity and Security, Says Burhan

In a bold affirmation of unity and strength, Sudan’s head of the Sovereignty Council and army chief, Abdel-Fattah Burhan, declared the intelligence service an integral partner in state governance during a graduation ceremony in eastern Sudan.

Addressing the new graduates of the “21st” Security and Intelligence training course at the NCO Academy in Jebait, Burhan recounted a drone assassination attempt on him on July 31, 2024, underscoring the perils faced by the nation’s leaders.

“The intelligence service remains a cohesive force just like the army, both are the bastions of national unity,” General Abdel-Fattah Burhan stated in his speech to the troops.

Burhan praised the military and intelligence service for their dedication to maintaining Sudan’s unity and security. He highlighted their dual role as both defenders and information gatherers, essential to the country’s stability.

As Sudan continues to grapple with a severe conflict that erupted between the army and the Rapid Support Forces on April 15, 2023, Burhan’s remarks underscore the military’s resolve to combat the insurgents relentlessly. Despite international efforts to mediate, both factions remain committed to a military solution.

Burhan advised the intelligence operatives to maintain professionalism and distance themselves from political, tribal, or regional affiliations.

“Everyone seems to be aligning with tribes or regions, but we aim to be exemplary: we belong neither to tribes, regions, nor parties, but to the army and the intelligence agency alone,” Burhan elaborated.

The Director of the General Intelligence Service, Ahmed Ibrahim, echoed Burhan’s sentiments, attributing the quelling of the rebellion and the cohesion of the regular forces to Burhan’s steadfast leadership.

Ibrahim also detailed the intelligence service’s role since the conflict’s onset, working alongside the army, police, and joint forces, contributing significantly to security operations, combating organized crime, and counterterrorism efforts.

In March 2024, the government amended the intelligence service law, reinstating powers such as arrest and search authority and providing immunity from civil or criminal proceedings without the director’s consent. These amendments restored many of the powers the agency held before being curtailed by the transitional government overthrown by Burhan’s coup on October 25, 2021.

This reaffirmation of the intelligence service’s role and powers marks a significant pivot in Sudan’s approach to handling internal security and intelligence, reflecting a return to a more centralized control under military guidance, amidst ongoing national and regional challenges.