Africa is placing greater emphasis on science and cross border cooperation to advance forensic investigations, experts said on Friday. Speaking at the 20th International Forensic Medicine Days in Antalya, Gambia’s Fa Kebba Darboe noted that the continent’s progress has been fueled more by determination than by resources.
“Our journey in forensic development has been shaped not by abundance but by resilience and an unwavering commitment to truth,” Darboe stated. He explained forensic science as essential, serving justice, reinforcing the rule of law, and giving a voice to the voiceless.
Darboe praised Türkiye’s forensic experts, explaining that partnerships with Türkiye, the EU, and the US are important for technical support and long term improvement. The Forensic Unit of Gambia currently has 50 officers, handling crime scene investigations, fingerprint and DNA testing, document analysis, and medico-legal cases around the country.
In 2024, the country launched its Automated Fingerprint Identification System, registering a number of more than 53,000 offenders and shifting criminal investigations “from speculation to certainty.” Meanwhile, Somalia continues to face challenges such as weak infrastructure, lack of funding, and a shortage of trained forensic professionals, participants at the conference observed.
