In the rapidly evolving landscape of forensic science, African nations such as Somalia and The Gambia are embracing technological innovations, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a pivotal tool in modernizing criminal investigations. The integration of AI into forensic processes promises to revolutionize how evidence is analyzed, suspects are identified, and justice is delivered. However, the journey toward fully incorporating AI into forensic systems is fraught with challenges, including limited resources, insufficient training, and heavy reliance on international partnerships. These insights were shared by forensic leaders from Somalia and The Gambia during the 20th International Forensic Medicine Days, held in the Turkish resort city of Antalya, which convened nearly 800 experts from 27 countries to discuss the transformative potential of AI in forensic science.
Somalia’s Forensic Evolution: From Manual Methods to AI Aspirations
Somalia’s foray into modern forensic science began in 2016 with the establishment of its first forensic laboratory, marking a significant milestone in a country long plagued by conflict and instability. Prior to this, investigations relied entirely on manual techniques, which were time-consuming and limited in scope. Col. Muhidin Ahmed Osman, head of the Police Criminal Investigations in Somalia, highlighted the transformative impact of AI during his address at the Antalya conference. “In terms of AI, it is a new era in Somalia,” Osman stated, emphasizing how the technology is beginning to reshape investigative processes.
AI has already made inroads into Somalia’s forensic framework, particularly in the realm of digital forensics. The technology enables facial recognition from video footage, streamlines evidence organization, and enhances the efficiency of investigations. “AI makes it easier and faster to conduct and advance our work,” Osman noted. For instance, facial recognition tools allow investigators to identify suspects more quickly, while AI-driven systems help organize vast amounts of evidence, reducing the time required to process cases. However, Somalia’s use of AI remains in its infancy, primarily limited to physical identification tasks such as facial recognition and biometric data analysis.
Despite these advancements, Somalia faces significant hurdles in fully integrating AI into its forensic operations. One major limitation is the lack of in-house DNA analysis capabilities. Currently, DNA samples collected in Somalia are sent to partner laboratories in South Africa for processing, a process that is both costly and time-consuming. Osman explained that while Somalia has made strides in training officers in various forensic disciplines—such as digital forensics, fingerprint analysis, and the handling of plastic and DNA samples—the country still relies heavily on external support to bridge gaps in expertise and infrastructure.
To address these challenges, Somalia has forged robust international partnerships. The United States plays a pivotal role, embedding forensic experts and mentors within Somalia’s forensic laboratory to provide hands-on training and technical assistance. Collaboration with organizations such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the African Union, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the European Union, and Interpol has been instrumental in strengthening Somalia’s forensic capabilities. For example, U.S. assistance has bolstered the analysis of explosives in terrorism-related investigations, a critical area given Somalia’s ongoing security challenges. Additionally, digital evidence is often sent abroad for processing, underscoring the importance of global cooperation in overcoming local limitations.
Somalia also engages in regional collaboration, sharing biometric data with neighboring countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Uganda. This cross-border exchange facilitates the tracking of suspects and enhances regional security efforts. Osman is optimistic about the future, envisioning a forensic system where AI plays a central role. “If we initiate such kind of artificial intelligence in our forensic lab, everything will be done faster,” he said. “It will change our day-to-day.” AI tools, he believes, will not only expedite investigations but also improve the accuracy of suspect identification, enabling authorities to trace movements and link individuals to specific crimes with greater precision.
Looking ahead, Somalia is actively seeking to integrate advanced AI tools into its investigative workflow. Osman emphasized the need for continued investment in training and technology to fully realize AI’s potential. By leveraging AI, Somalia aims to build a more efficient and effective forensic system, capable of addressing the complex challenges posed by crime and terrorism in the region.
The Gambia’s Forensic Challenges: A Vision for AI-Driven Progress
In The Gambia, forensic science is at a more nascent stage, with the country still relying heavily on manual methods. Fa Kebba Darboe, head of The Gambia’s forensic medicine institution, provided a candid assessment of the country’s capabilities during the Antalya conference. “Currently, we are not yet at the level of AI. We are basically manual still,” Darboe admitted. However, he expressed enthusiasm for AI’s potential to transform forensic investigations, noting that the technology is “in the pipeline” and under consideration for future adoption.
The Gambia’s forensic infrastructure faces significant constraints, particularly in the area of DNA analysis. Darboe highlighted the country’s ambition to advance its DNA laboratory and expand into specialized areas such as forensic ballistics and questioned document examination. “We want to advance in the area of sophisticated DNA examination,” he said, noting that AI could significantly streamline these processes. However, the lack of specialized personnel and equipment remains a major barrier. With only 15 forensic personnel, The Gambia struggles to meet the demands of modern investigations, particularly in cases requiring advanced scientific techniques.
The limitations of The Gambia’s forensic capabilities were starkly evident following the fall of Yahya Jammeh’s regime in 2017. The establishment of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) brought to light the urgent need to identify victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Many cases involved skeletal remains, which posed significant challenges for identification. Darboe explained that the process relied heavily on manual methods, often dependent on perpetrators’ confessions, which were unreliable and speculative. “Identification of victims was the main challenge,” he said, noting that expertise in skeletal analysis and digital identification tools would have been far more effective.
AI, Darboe believes, could address these shortcomings by enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of identification processes. For example, AI-driven tools could analyze skeletal remains, match DNA samples, and cross-reference biometric data with greater precision than manual methods. “AI will be a key player,” Darboe stressed, underscoring its potential to revolutionize crime-fighting in The Gambia.
To compensate for its limited capacity, The Gambia relies on regional partnerships through organizations such as the West African Network of Forensic Officers (WAFNET) and bilateral cooperation with countries like Senegal and Ghana. These collaborations allow The Gambia to access expertise and resources that are currently unavailable domestically. “Where you lack the ability to examine, you seek the cooperation of the other,” Darboe noted, emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration in strengthening forensic capabilities.
However, Darboe identified the shortage of specialized personnel as a critical bottleneck. “Specialization is a problem in The Gambia,” he said, highlighting the need for enhanced training in areas such as ballistics, toxicology, and anthropology. To address this, The Gambia is exploring training exchanges with countries like Türkiye, which has a well-established forensic infrastructure. Darboe also called for greater political commitment to prioritize forensic development, stating, “We will accelerate this with the political players to get the dream come true … AI is the way for the new world.”
The Broader African Context: Opportunities and Challenges
The experiences of Somalia and The Gambia reflect broader trends in forensic science across Africa, where the adoption of AI is seen as a pathway to modernizing criminal justice systems. Many African nations face similar challenges, including limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of trained professionals. Yet, the potential of AI to address these gaps is undeniable. From facial recognition to automated evidence analysis, AI offers tools that can enhance the speed, accuracy, and scalability of forensic investigations.
Across the continent, forensic laboratories are grappling with the transition from manual to digital systems. In countries like South Africa, which serves as a regional hub for DNA analysis, forensic capabilities are more advanced, but even there, the integration of AI is still in its early stages. The reliance on international partnerships, as seen in Somalia and The Gambia, is a common theme, with organizations like Interpol and the African Union playing a key role in providing technical assistance and fostering collaboration.
Training remains a critical need. As Osman and Darboe both emphasized, the effective use of AI requires skilled personnel who can operate and interpret advanced technologies. Without sustained investment in education and capacity-building, the benefits of AI will remain out of reach for many African nations. Moreover, the high cost of AI systems and forensic equipment poses a significant barrier, particularly for countries with limited budgets.
Despite these challenges, the enthusiasm for AI in forensic science is palpable. Experts across Africa recognize that AI can streamline processes, reduce human error, and enable investigators to tackle complex cases with greater efficiency. For instance, AI-driven tools can analyze large datasets, identify patterns in criminal behavior, and predict potential threats, all of which are critical in addressing issues like terrorism, organized crime, and human rights abuses.
The Role of International Collaboration
International support has been a cornerstone of forensic development in Africa. In Somalia, partnerships with the U.S., the FBI, and global organizations have provided critical resources, from equipment to expertise. Similarly, The Gambia’s collaboration with regional networks like WAFNET and countries like Senegal and Ghana has enabled it to access forensic capabilities that would otherwise be unavailable. These partnerships highlight the importance of global solidarity in addressing the unique challenges faced by African nations.
Türkiye, as the host of the 20th International Forensic Medicine Days, is emerging as a key player in supporting forensic development in Africa. With its advanced forensic infrastructure and expertise in areas such as ballistics and toxicology, Türkiye is well-positioned to offer training and technical assistance. Darboe’s call for training exchanges with Türkiye reflects a growing recognition of the country’s potential to contribute to Africa’s forensic advancement.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for AI in African Forensics
The integration of AI into forensic science holds immense promise for African nations, but realizing this potential will require sustained effort and investment. For Somalia, the focus is on expanding AI applications beyond facial recognition to include DNA analysis and other advanced techniques. For The Gambia, the priority is building a foundation for AI adoption by addressing gaps in personnel, equipment, and training.
Both countries underscore the need for a multi-faceted approach that combines technological innovation with capacity-building and international cooperation. Political commitment, as Darboe noted, will be critical in driving these efforts forward. Governments must prioritize forensic development, allocate resources, and foster partnerships to ensure that AI becomes a reality in their investigative systems.
The Antalya conference served as a platform for African nations to share their experiences, learn from global experts, and chart a path toward a more advanced forensic future. As AI continues to evolve, it offers African countries an opportunity to leapfrog traditional forensic methods and build systems that are efficient, accurate, and responsive to the needs of their societies. By embracing AI, nations like Somalia and The Gambia can strengthen their criminal justice systems, deliver justice to victims, and enhance public safety in an increasingly complex world.
