On November 16, 2024, Ethiopia officially inaugurated the Federal Police Forensic Investigation and Research Center of Excellence, a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to improve law enforcement and crime investigation. The center, which is now the largest forensic facility in Africa, will play a crucial role in enhancing Ethiopia’s investigative capacity and will serve both domestic and regional needs.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who inaugurated the center, highlighted the rapid advancements made in forensic capabilities within Ethiopia. Just a year and a half ago, when DNA testing was required, Ethiopia relied on external resources. With the establishment of this state-of-the-art center, the country is now capable of conducting DNA analysis domestically, a development that also extends its services to neighboring countries.
Federal Police Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael, speaking at the inauguration ceremony, emphasized the importance of the center in enhancing the country’s peace and justice initiatives. He noted that the center will not only consolidate various fragmented forensic services but also house modern laboratories dedicated to critical aspects of criminal investigations. These include document forensics, firearms analysis, arson, explosions, DNA testing, digital forensics, chemistry, and latent fingerprint analysis.
The center’s role goes beyond just forensic investigations; it is designed to be a hub for training and producing highly skilled professionals in forensic research. The facility will play a key role in building the capacity of Ethiopia’s regional police forces, ensuring a steady flow of well-trained personnel equipped to handle modern investigative challenges.
Additionally, the Federal Police Forensic Investigation and Research Center will serve the broader African continent, providing much-needed forensic expertise and support to other countries. It will also host scholars and researchers who will conduct studies and training in forensic sciences, furthering Ethiopia’s contribution to international forensic research and development.
Commander Melese Bezabih, who heads the center’s Weapons and Investigations Department, expressed readiness to employ cutting-edge technologies to improve forensic investigations. This commitment to using the latest innovations in forensic science will significantly elevate the effectiveness of Ethiopia’s law enforcement.
Assistant Inspector Habtemariam Esubalew, in charge of the Chemistry Department, also highlighted how the center will enhance the Federal Police’s capacity to investigate and solve crimes through the application of modern forensic technologies.
With its new capabilities, Ethiopia is set to become a leading force in forensic science and law enforcement in Africa, driving improvements in public safety and justice across the region.
