Africa boosts forensic science with global partnerships

Africa is increasingly turning to science and global partnerships to overcome challenges in forensic investigations, experts said on the fifth day of the 20th International Forensic Medicine Days at the Justice Strengthening Foundation (ATGV) Antalya Training and Social Facility.

In The Gambia, Fa Kebba Darboe, head of the national forensic medicine institution, said the country’s progress relies on determination rather than resources. “Our journey in forensic development has been shaped not by abundance but by resilience; not by resources but by an unwavering commitment to truth and accountability,” he said on Friday.

“Forensic science is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity. It safeguards justice, strengthens the rule of law, and gives a voice to the voiceless.”

Darboe added that: "We are really impressed with the current situation in Türkiye," noting the capacity of Turkish forensic investigation teams.

He said collaboration with Türkiye, the EU, and the US is crucial for technical support, system validation, and long-term sustainability.

The Forensic Unit in The Gambia has 50 officers, comprising 30 crime scene specialists deployed nationwide and 20 at headquarters, who oversee administration and specialized expertise. Its work under the Gambia Police Force includes crime scene response, fingerprint and DNA analysis, questioned document examination, and medico-legal collaboration with the health and defense ministries. The country launched its Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) in 2024 and began DNA analysis, entering more than 53,000 convicted offenders into the system and shifting investigations “from speculation to certainty.”

- Somalia: rebuilding amid fragility

Yasin Ibrahim, advisor to the Somali Ministry of Justice, said persistent challenges — weak infrastructure, underfunding, limited legal frameworks, and a shortage of trained specialists — continue to affect forensic work across Africa. “Fragility is magnified by weak forensic capacity, and this contributes to an erosion of public confidence in formal justice mechanisms,” he said.

He noted that Somalia is still recovering from three decades of civil war and rebuilding key state institutions such as the judiciary and law enforcement. Despite the obstacles, he remained hopeful, citing Türkiye as a strategic partner. Somalia’s justice minister has paid three official visits to Ankara, resulting in judicial cooperation agreements and a memorandum of understanding focused on improving forensic training, infrastructure, and expertise.

Col. Muhidin Osman, head of Somalia’s Police Criminal Investigations, said: "DNA capacity at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) is limited to basic collection and packaging of samples.Since establishment in 2016, the team has not received advanced DNA training, due to the albsence of a DNA analysis facility in Mogadishu." Samples are sent to South Africa, delaying results by up to three months and weakening court cases, prolonging detentions, and leaving victims and families without answers.

Osman said Somalia’s immediate priorities are establishing a nationally accredited DNA laboratory in Mogadishu, providing advanced DNA training with international exchanges, and strengthening partnerships with Türkiye and other countries to close the current forensic gaps.

Last year, around 600 participants from Türkiye and 18 other countries attended the International Forensic Medicine Days in Antalya. This year, attendance rose to 780 participants from 27 countries.