Following the reform of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) it vital to amend the current proclamation to enable the Service to have additional powers and functions to carry out its mission efficiently. The House of Peoples' Representatives, Legal, Justice and Democracy Affairs Standing Committees and Foreign and Peace affairs standing committee Announced the amendment at a joint consultation with the Institution.

The statement came as the Standing Committees discussed with the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) officials the draft proclamation to amend Proclamation No. 804/2013 on the Re-establishment of the National Intelligence and Security Service.

Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Law, Justice and Democracy, Honorable Etsegenet Mengitu said the main function of the institution is to safeguard the country and its national interests. She said the proclamation to be amended to fulfill its responsibilities.

The members of the standing committees, for their part recalled that the institution had previously been a source of repression and torture of citizens under the previous regimes, including the Derg. They explained that since the reform, a number of Changes have been made, and that the institution has shifted to citizen safety as well as shields and protection.

She also said that they have seen that the institute is updating itself with modern technologies. Because the previous proclamation was not designed in technologies it is appropriate to amend it.

However, there are issues that need to be clarified and explained in the new articles that have been included and amended in the draft proclamation.

Director General of National Intelligence and Security, Temesgen Tiruneh commented on the importance of the proclamation as well as responded to the questions and comments raised by the committee members.

Since the reform: He said the institution is undertaking various activities in the sector to safeguard the country's security, earn the trust of the people and intimidate the enemy.

Since manpower is the main tool for doing its task, experts in the field should be independent of any political party and create an institution that will not be shaken by any change of regime, He said. He explained, the draft of the Proclamation was primarily about the organization of manpower, wages and benefits, issues related to the procurement system, and the prevention of psychological warfare.

The House convened on May 17, 2022 at its 8th regular session to be recalled that the draft Proclamation No. 7/2022 on the Re-Establishment of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) led to a detailed review of the Standing Committees on Law, Justice and Democracy, in collaboration with the Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs.

Following, the Standing Committees held a public discussion with stakeholders and it is expected to be presented to the House for approval.

Translated by Yared Eshetu