By Haddy Touray
The Gambian government has launched an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to strengthen criminal investigations and enhance law enforcement capacity.
An official statement made available on Wednesday said the system was deployed under the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) Programme, funded by the European Union. It was inaugurated alongside the renovated premises of the Criminal Records Office/Scientific Support Unit (CRO/SSU).
According to officials, the introduction of AFIS marks a significant step in The Gambia’s efforts, with support from ECOWAS, the European Union and INTERPOL, to improve criminal identification and case resolution at national, regional and international levels.
The project also includes reforms to the legal framework governing biometric data processing, capacity-building initiatives, upgraded forensic infrastructure and the provision of specialized equipment.
Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Crime Management, Amie Nyassi, said crime scene evidence is now integrated into a national system capable of linking cases and identifying repeat offenders.
“Crime scene evidence is no longer isolated; it is now part of a connected system that guides investigators with precision,” she said.
Representing INTERPOL, Mark Branchflower said the AFIS complements existing data in the national WAPIS system with biometric information, including fingerprints and latent prints collected at crime scenes.
He said the integration would improve suspect identification and enhance case linkage and resolution at both national and international levels.
The Deputy Head of Mission of the European Union in The Gambia, Raphaël Brigandi, described the initiative as a key investment in security.
“The European Union is supporting the deployment of AFIS across West Africa, including The Gambia, to strengthen the fight against crime, in full respect of human rights and data protection standards,” he said.
Inspector General of Police Seedy M. Touray said the system transforms criminal records from static archives into dynamic investigative tools, enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to track fugitives and combat transnational crime.
“The Gambia is no longer a safe haven for criminals involved in transnational organized crime,” he said, adding that crime would be confronted with “science, professionalism and unwavering resolve.”
Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Interior, Kebba Nfally Darboe, says the AFIS system extends beyond the police to other national security institutions, reaffirming government commitment to its sustainability.
He noted that investment in forensic science and biometric technology would strengthen the country’s security architecture and boost public confidence in criminal investigations.
The ceremony featured a live demonstration of the AFIS system and a tour of the upgraded forensic facilities, which now support crime scene coordination, chemical analysis and forensic photography.
Officials said the project has strengthened training capacity, with 10 national trainers providing instruction to nearly 300 law enforcement officers across the country.
The AFIS project forms part of the WAPIS Programme implemented in ECOWAS member states and Mauritania, and is funded by the European Union and implemented by INTERPOL
