The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rwanda Forensic Institute, is hosting the inaugural conference of the African Forensic Sciences Academy (AFSA) from September 23 to 28 in Kigali.

This week-long event will bring together forensic science practitioners and stakeholders from across Africa and the globe to discuss the ecosystem of forensic science in Africa.

Established in 2022 and registered by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), AFSA serves as a professional representative body for forensic science practitioners in Africa, advocating for the interests of its members, and is currently managed by its interim executive.

In an exclusive interview with The New Times, Dr Antonel Olckers, president of AFSA, discussed the academy's mission and the choice of Rwanda as the host for this important event, among other topics.

Below are excerpts:

What is the Africa Forensic Science Academy, and when was it created?

The Africa Forensic Science Academy (AFSA) is the first formally registered forensic sciences academy in Africa, representing a diverse group of forensic science professionals.

Established on December 15, 2022, we chose Rwanda as our host country after discussions among many interested nations.

Registered with the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), AFSA operates under their oversight. We’re also excited to co-host an upcoming conference with the Rwanda Forensic Institute (RFI), highlighting our commitment to advancing forensic science across the continent.

Why did you choose Rwanda to be the host?

We chose Rwanda as the host for several important reasons. First, we wanted a country with no corruption and a favourable business environment.

Rwanda’s policy of welcoming African visitors without visa requirements simplifies travel for professionals attending our events in Kigali. Additionally, the country is very safe, allowing visitors to navigate the city comfortably, even at night. These factors made Rwanda the ideal choice for AFSA.

What is the relationship between AFSA and RFI, and how do they differ in their roles?

While both AFSA and RFI are based in Rwanda, they serve distinct purposes. The RFI aims to be a key hub for forensic science services in Africa, while AFSA represents professionals in the field.

Although RFI hosts us and provides services, our memorandum of understanding clearly establishes that we are independent entities.

AFSA does not offer forensic services or training at this time; our role is solely to represent and advocate for forensic scientists across the continent.

How prepared is Rwanda to host the conference?

Rwanda is well-prepared to host the conference, having collaborated with credible suppliers and involved key organisations, including the Rwanda Convention Bureau, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Rwanda Forensic Institute, which is co-hosting the event with AFSA.

Despite the unpredictability of events, we feel confident in our preparations to welcome high-level professionals from around the world.

The conference will host delegates from 24 African countries and 23 nations outside Africa, showcasing Rwanda as a focal point for the global forensic science community.

This event not only highlights Rwanda’s capabilities but also brings significant attention to Kigali on the international stage.

What are the benefits of Rwanda being the host?

Hosting the conference offers multiple benefits for Rwanda beyond tourism. It will boost the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) sector and attract well-travelled delegates who are eager to explore the country.

More importantly, it aligns with Rwanda’s goal of becoming a leader and hub for forensic science in Africa.

By bringing together key leaders in the field, Rwanda will enhance its connections within the forensic science community, facilitating collaboration and progress.

This event will help strengthen efforts to advance forensic science across the continent, leveraging African networks to drive development in the field.

What are your expectations for the upcoming AFSA 2024 conference?

We are highly optimistic about the AFSA 2024 conference next week; especially given the global interest it has generated.

Over five days, we anticipate the formation of incredible networks among participants, we expect strong connections to be forged, and we are excited to see the world taking notice of Africa's contributions to the field of forensic science.

What is the programme structure for the AFSA 2024 conference?

The AFSA 2024 conference is designed to foster incredible networking opportunities over five days, culminating in a sixth day dedicated to the Umuganda social responsibility programme.

The first two days will feature intensive training workshops, allowing participants to up skill in various topics of interest.

The following three days will focus on the scientific programme, showcasing keynote speakers who are leaders in forensic science and providing valuable insights.