The director general of State Intelligence Agency has appeared before the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission to testify about the activities of the once feared agency. 

The agency, known to most Gambians as the NIA, was the most feared institution during the Jammeh regime.

Ousman Sowe, a Jammeh appointee, presided over the spy agency that had a reputation for brutality and widespread human rights abuses including torture against opponents of ex-president Jammeh. 

One of the last high profile politician to have died in their custody was Ebrima Solo Sandeng of the United Democratic Party. 

Mr Sowe told the Commission the agency’s role is to protect the country from its enemies both internally and externally through the use of intelligence gathering. 

He is expected to give detail testimony  about the agency’s work during Jammeh dictatorship.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba