Chief Spy of Sudan in Paris… WHAT IS New?

Author: Rashid Saeed Yagoub Published: 26th October 2018

This report sheds light on the first visit of Lt. Gen. Salah Abdullah Mohamed Saleh (Salah Gosh) to France since his re-appointment as the director of National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) in February 2018.

A “Technical” Visit, Not Political

Salah Gosh reached Paris in the second week of October 2018. His hosts insisted on describing the visit as “technical,” involving meetings with the External Intelligence Agency (DGSE) and the Internal Intelligence Agency (DGSI). However, a dinner party at the Sudanese Embassy attended by French parliamentarians caused significant political embarrassment.

Regional Dossiers

Three regional dossiers were the main focus:

• Central African Republic: France expressed unhappiness with Sudan's role in enabling Russian presence in the region.
• Horn of Africa: France is monitoring developments following Abiy Ahmed's rise in Ethiopia, fearing Sudan's "traditional" methods might frustrate positive movements.
• Libya: Sudan complained about being excluded from French-organized meetings on the Libyan crisis.

Illegal Immigration and Counter-Terrorism

The Sudanese delegation lost a strong card as migration numbers from Sudan to Europe have fallen significantly. Counter-terrorism remains a strong point of cooperation, though Russia and Turkey's influence on Sudanese policy raises Western concerns.

The Sudanese Opposition in Paris

Gen. Salah Gosh adopted a "soft" approach, requesting that France not object to UN Security Council sanctions against Darfuri armed movement leaders rather than demanding their expulsion.