Ousman Sowe, the nation’s Intelligence chief, has admitted that torture was part of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) during the regime of former president Yahya Jammeh.

The NIA now renamed the State Intelligence Agency was the most feared institution in the country and has been linked to widespread abuses including torture, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. 

Mr Sowe is giving testimony to the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission which is investigating human rights abuses by the Jammeh regime. 

During the hearing, TRRC lead counsel Essa Faal asked: “Mr DG the evidence unfolded in this Commission show it’s quite clear that torture was part of the modus operandi of the NIA?”

And the director general of the State Intelligence Agency, Ousman Sowe replied: “True.” 

Mr Faal again questioned: “So torture was part of the culture at the NIA?”

Mr Sowe again replied: “true, yes I agree.”

“Well torture was not part of every investigation that happened at the NIA I want to think. It did happen. Well, it was common.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba