History of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service
Ethiopia’s first Intelligence and Security Institution was established after the Invasion Of Italy(1935).
In 1935 under the Ministry of Governor, General Security Department was established by Proclamation Number 6/1934
From 1935-1953 the Security and Intelligence Institution was led by Lieutenant Workneh Gebeyehu.
In 1955, it was divided into National security and Emperor Haile Selassie’s Special cabinet.
After the attempted Coup-d’état in 1955 till 1966 the security and Intelligence institution remains under the Emperor’s Special cabinet.
Between 1935 and 1966 the Emperor’s Special cabinet was led by Mr. Solomon Kedir
When the Military Derg Came to power it re-established the security office with the name Committee for peoples Security and Peace by the proclamation number 10/1966.
In August 1972 it was established in an institutionalized format as Ministry of Security Protection for the Country and the People
In 1980 following the establishment of Ethiopia’s People Democratic Republic it was re- established as Ministry of Internal Affair.
From 1966-1983 Colonel Tesfaye Woldesilassie was a leader at Ministerial level.
In 1983 When EPRDF came to power the office of Security and Intelligence was made dysfunctional.
From 1983 -1987 it was included under Ministry of Internal Affair which was led by Mr. Kuma Demeksa.
From 1987-1995 under the name Authority for Security, Immigration and Refugees Affair it was re-established by proclamation number 6/1987 under the Office of the Prime Minister.
From 1987-1993 it was led by Ato Kinfe G/Medhin
From 1993-2010 it was led by Getachew Asseffa
In 2005 it was re-established under proclamation number 804/2005 and named National Intelligence and Security Service.
After the recent Changes from June 2010 –June 2011 General Adem Mohammed was the Director General of NISS.
Currently Commissioner Demelash G/Michael is the Director General of NISS