Profile of a Spy Agency: Ethiopia's NISS
Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) is one of the most controversial and powerful institutions in the country’s security landscape, and it is one of the most important security actors in the Horn of Africa. Proclamation No. 804/2013 officially re-established it in 2013. It has a broad range of responsibilities, from counterterrorism to a recent expansion on cybercrime issues, on which it acts domestically and internationally. While officially accountable to various oversight mechanisms, the agency has long stood in the shadows, gaining praise for its importance as well as criticism for its practices.
1 Historical Background of Ethiopian Intelligence
The history of Ethiopian intelligence institutions goes back to 1935 when Mussolini’s Italy invaded the nation. Its evolution is complex, as the apparatus changed together with the ever-shifting political landscape. Nonetheless, as it stands today, the NISS was officially re-established under the current name in 2013 under Proclamation No. 804/2013 and has been continuously operational since. This story is complicated, and there is little to no coherence to Ethiopian intelligence history, with scarce sources and many changes in the regime and political landscape ensuring little to no continuity.
Following the Italian invasion of 1935, until 1953, the institution was led by Lieutenant Workneh Gebeyuh. In 1955, its responsibilities were divided between two separate entities: National Security and the Emperor’s Special Cabinet. This division persisted until 1966, with NISS operating almost directly under the Emperor’s Cabinet.
1.1 The Derg Regime
Things changed completely in 1974, with the Derg military regime coming to power following the revolution. The agency was renamed “Committee for People’s Security and Peace” under the Ministry of Security Protection for the Country and the People, which was later re-established as the Ministry of Internal Affairs. With Derg’s Leninist Regime replacement, due to the withdrawal of Soviet support, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front changed the system once again. Although things changed rapidly, the Soviets and East Germans were present through the 70s and 80s. Therefore, it is likely that some of the main influences consolidating the Ethiopian intelligence regime of the last century were communist ones.
1.2 Post Soviet Ethiopia
Nonetheless, in the 90s, the situation changed completely, leading us closer to today’s reality of NISS. There was an almost complete change in regime direction. Almost all the officers and workforce of the agency were disbanded in favour of a new intelligence organisation. In 2013, the NISS was reportedly established in its current form, although changes in its direction and leadership are frequent, and the organisation continues to be extremely secretive.
2 Key Missions and Operations
NISS’s tasks include protecting national security, gathering and analysing intelligence, and leading counterterrorism operations. They hold broad authority over all the intelligence activities in the country as well as border and immigration security, and criminal investigations. One can confidently say that NISS occupies a central role in the security structure of Ethiopia. They are the principal intelligence body, responsible for coordinating with other agencies, domestically and internationally, making them vital for addressing security challenges in many areas.
2.1 Counterterrorism
NISS is involved in the identification and neutralisation of terrorist threats. The agency has historically fought terrorist cells and helped prevent attacks. This happens often through collaboration with international partners. For instance, NISS has collaborated with UN Mission AMISOM in the fight against Al-Shabaab since 2013.
2.2 Cybersecurity and Information Protection
It is important to mention that NISS expanded its focus to include digital protection. This is a clear response to the growing importance of cybersecurity practices. The agency in 2021 started training to investigate and prosecute cybercrime.
3 Internal Structure
The NISS internal structure is outlined in Proclamation No. 804/2013. The service is accountable to the Prime Minister and has ministerial status as an autonomous federal government office with its legal personality. The head office is in Addis Ababa.
3.1 Director General
The organisation works under a Director General, who is directly appointed by the Prime Minister. The DG is the chief executive officer of the service, directing and administering its activities. He is responsible for the annual work programs and budgeting preparations, as well as secrecy, effective expenditure, and representation of the service with third parties.
3.2 Oversight Mechanisms
NISS oversight mechanisms come from legislative, executive, and judicial components. There is a standing committee of the House of Peoples’ Representatives overseeing the overall activities. Furthermore, the Prime Minister monitors the activities as well. Finally, the service needs court warrants to carry out activities where necessary.
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4.0 International Cooperation
Ethiopia’s NISS is a pivotal actor in international security collaborations. Specifically, it is important for counterterrorism efforts. The agency partners with neighbouring countries and intelligence organisations to counter security threats, and has also collaborated with Western entities.
NISS has engaged in cooperation with Kenya’s National Intelligence Service, combating terrorism, human trafficking, organised crime, and enhancing border security in the Horn of Africa. The alliance is considered a positive model for the region and has played a critical role in combating Al-Shabaab. On a similar note, NISS works with Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency to tackle mutual concerns (once again involving Al-Shabaab). In December 2024, the two countries’ services met to discuss challenges and opportunities of cooperation.
Finally, to move beyond regional partnerships, NISS has worked in AMISOM to, once again, assist in the fight against Al-Shabaab in Somalia. Furthermore, the NISS has recently agreed (October 2024) with the MI6 to strengthen their collaboration on matters of regional peace and security.
5.0 Recent Developments, Criticisms, and Controversies
Controversies surround the Ethiopian NISS. Recently, concerns over its role in internal conflicts and human rights abuses have arisen.
Namely, in the ongoing conflict in the Amhara region, which escalated in mid-2023, the NISS has been involved in human rights violations alongside other governmental forces. Reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International claim that governmental forces, including the NISS, carried out extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions of individuals only suspected of supporting opposing militias. Among the worst incidents was the Merawi massacre of January 2024, during which national forces killed at least 80 civilians. The severity of human rights abuses and the involvement of the NISS are undeniable.
These and similar developments highlight concerns regarding the accountability and transparency of NISS and the broader Ethiopian government.
6.0 Conclusion
The NISS of Ethiopia showcases the complicated situation of a state trying to deal with domestic fragility while maintaining regional ambitions and presence. On one hand, the agency is crucial to Ethiopia’s national security and is extremely handy for counterterrorism operations in the Horn of Africa. Its increasing alignment with regional and Western intelligence services showcases such importance, especially in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
On the other hand, NISS has a concerning background, including blurry operations, a confusing history, and a troubling record of human rights abuses. As mentioned, recent reports indicate systematic abuses by the Ethiopian government that often involve the NISS. This invites reflection about the extent to which it features in the Ethiopian context as a tool for repression versus a tool for national security and protection.
Irrespective of the answer, Ethiopia could greatly benefit from NISS reform. New institutional priorities and clear separation from political agendas would shift this agency away from its current status, which is dangerously close to that of being a symbol of unchecked state power.