Rwanda to create DNA database for citizens, Process to facilitate criminal investigations

The Government of Rwanda is planning to create a database for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and biometric data for all Rwandans, judicial officials have said.

The database will reportedly facilitate pinning criminals, especially in rape, defilement and murder cases. The Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Johnston Busingye, disclosed this while opening the 'Justice Week' in Kigali on March 18.

This system is believed to help a lot while investigating criminal cases. The criminal investigation is sometimes delayed by testing the DNA of several suspects before reaching the real culprit, the Secretary General of Rwanda Investigation Bureau, Jeannot Ruhunga said. Both officials said that they need a test of every Rwandan such that in such crimes, they only test the DNA of suspects, which would then be compared to the available DNA data to figure out who the culprit could be, as reported by The New Times.

"We think we have the technical basis now to launch into the development of a DNA database. That said, it is, first of all, a legal process. We will examine global best practice on the issue, propose appropriate law and implement accordingly," Johnston Busingye said.

Rwanda is giving all its efforts in investigating in forensic science to limit crime by forensic evidence that proves beyond doubt who is who involved in a crime. "We have come a long way in science and I want to assure you that the ultimate goal is to have all the necessary equipment and technical know-how to provide accurate information about who is responsible for the crime," he added.

However, the minister couldn't specify when the database will be established. Some steps need to be undertaken through the Rwandan Parliament before the process starts.

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