The Gambia’s spy chief says cyberspace continues to pose a security challenge as the reported cases of cyber bullying and hate speech rises. 

Ousman Sowe, the director general of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), made the statement on Wednesday at the passing out ceremony of SIS recruits. 

Sowe said: “The cyberspace itself doesn’t generate hate but it is what people put on it. The abuses and activities of abusers that generate these [security] issues.”

He called on Gambians to show restraint and decorum in their interactions on social media. 

“We will continue to advise on restraint, national reconciliation and national harmony. We will continue to advice the national character of Gambia in almost all the undertaken we do,” he added. 

SIS, formerly known as the NIA, was the most feared institution during the Jammeh dictatorship and was notorious for the  grievous human rights abuses including torture and mock execution of political prisoners. 

Sowe said the institution has changed its ways and now work in the interest of the Gambian people. 

“SIS is now among the most respected, credible and one of the most reformed institutions in the country,” he said.

“We will continue to reform, reposition and recast the service. Our aspirations are to make the service one of the best within the sub-region and the world at large.