Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir yesterday reappointed Sunday Salah Abdallah Mohamed Saleh, also known as Salah Gosh, as head of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).

Leader of the ruling National Congress party, Rabie Abdul Ati said in an interview with Quds Press that the decision came in response to the security challenges facing Sudan and the region.

“Gosh has extensive experience in the field of intelligence and coordination with international security agencies in the field of combating terrorism, illegal immigration, human and drug trafficking,” said Abdul Ati.

Gosh served as director of Sudanese intelligence for a decade, during which he supported President Omar Al-Bashir against the late leader of the Sudanese Islamic Movement Hassan Al-Turabi, before his dismissal in 2009.

During his tenure, cooperation between Sudan and US’ CIA increased.

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After leaving the security services, he served as presidential adviser, until he was dismissed from office in early 2011.

In 2013, the Sudanese authorities released Gosh under a presidential amnesty after accusing him and other officers of attempting a coup.

He replaces Mohamed Atta Al-Moula who had served in the position since 2009.