Strengthening Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Capacities of Djiboutian Law Enforcement Entities in order to Bring Terrorists to Justice
INTERPOL, WCO, IMO, IOM, ICAO
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Synopsis
Objectives
The project aims to strengthen the overall capacity of Djibouti to bring terrorists to justice and to control the flow of terrorists through its borders.
Components
Capacity-building programme to strengthen the forensic science capacity for Djiboutian law enforcement entities to bring terrorists to justice, in collaboration with UN actors, academia and other international organizations dealing with crime control, police cooperation and migration.
Main achievements
More than 380 Djiboutian gendarmerie, national police personnel entailing, border police, customs officers and criminal justice officers, Counterterrorism Unit Personnel, and forensic staff; have been trained from 2019 to 2022 through more than 30 training-related activities. In 2023 more than ten trainings events were completed. Training subjects entailed inter alia, counterterrorism analytics and planning processes, DNA, countering violent extremism, investigation of terrorism, preparedness and investigations for terrorist attacks, terrorist financing and money laundering, profiling and risk assessment, risk assessment and management, application of forensic science to collect and analyse physical evidence; forensic laboratory and equipment, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.
Additional activities included outreach sessions with stakeholders working in Eastern Africa on local challenges, assistance in the acquisition of equipment for Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and technical support to the establishment and operationalization of a rapid DNA database. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) is now onsite.
Following an assessment of nationwide AFIS/integrated biometric system-provider, the system was identified, purchased, delivered and is operational. Additionally, the Rapid DNA database was developed and is operational within DNP. Training, maintenance and updates on the Aware Identity (Automated Fingerprint Identification System, AFIS system) and Ande Rapid DNA system and continued development of AFIS system were completed.
Additionally, the project provided support to the opening and operationalization of a forensic laboratory facility and the drafting of legislation and policy on DNA databases.
Furthermore, in-country visits for training, monitoring, and procurement of forensic lab equipment were completed. Following an on-site mission by CTED to monitor the implementation of the project in May 2023, Djibouti requested additional assistance. Hence, CTED concluded a partnership agreement with UNODC to develop a regulatory framework.
Impact
The project strengthened the forensic science capacity of Djiboutian law enforcement entities to bring terrorists to justice.
Pictures
Scenario exercises in Djibouti, May 2023