Malian Justice Minister on study tour

The Minister of Justice and Human Rights of Mali, Mamadou Ismaila Konate, yesterday, said Rwanda has a lot to offer to Africa, adding that the country’s achievements are proof that “when people are committed they can achieve a lot.” The minister, who is in the country for a five-day study tour, made the remarks after visiting Isange One Stop Centre and the Kigali Forensic Laboratory, both based at Kacyiru District Hospital. He observed that, currently, most African countries have to acquire scientific forensic evidence from the West. “With such a hi-tech laboratory, Africa will no longer have to go that far,” said Konate. Malis Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Mamadou Ismaila Konate (centre) visiting Isange laboratory The current scientific laboratory - Kigali Forensic Laboratory - conducts only DNA sampling, document examination and fingerprint analysis. However, once complete, a new multi-million dollar laboratory will offer about ten forensic disciplines, including DNA, toxicology fingerprint analysis and ballistics. Toxicology is a test done on a person who, for instance, was poisoned while ballistics are tests that involve arms and explosives. With the new facility, it means that even an ordinary Rwandan can attain cheaper forensic services locally. According to Minister Konate, “very few African countries have laboratories that have all the judicial police elements like this one. The realisation of this laboratory is proof that Africa can achieve a lot and when people are determined, nothing is impossible.” At the centre that is about to be completed, Minister Konate was accompanied by Rwanda’s Minister of State in charge of Constitutional and Legal affairs, Evode Uwizeyimana, and Dr Mathias Harebamungu, the Rwandan Ambassador to Mali. They were given a tour at the centre by its director, Commissioner of Police Dr Daniel Nyamwasa. CP Daniel Nyamwasa giving Malis Minister of Justice, Mamadou Ismaila Konate Isange One Stop centres manual book Speaking about his country’s relations with Rwanda, Minister Konate said that the two countries are focused on building quality relations and that his visit is meant to learn from what Rwanda has achieved in the justice sector. The forensic centre which he visited is expected to set standards and quality assurance, including certifying forensic experts. Criminal cases are time and again thrown out of court due to lack of proper forensic evidence to support them, an issue which the new lab seeks to address. Rwanda National Police introduced forensic science and criminology courses at the National Police College in Musanze, to equip its officers with skills in criminal investigations. Forensic science is a discipline that applies scientific analysis to the justice system, often to help prove the events of a crime, by analysing and interpreting evidence found at the crime scene. The evidence can include blood, saliva, fibres, tire tracks, drugs, alcohol, paint chips and firearm residue (cartridges) and others. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Malian Justice Minister on study tour