Liberia To Establish First Digital Forensic Laboratory

Liberia To Establish First Digital Forensic Laboratory

MONROVIA, Nov. 19 (LINA) – In an effort to enhance the Country’s cybersecurity and law enforcement capabilities, Liberia is set to launch its first-ever fully operational Digital Forensic Laboratory.

This huge project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications under the leadership of Minister Sekou M. Kromah, aims to bolster the nation’s digital security framework.

During a recent tour of the facility which is currently undergoing renovation within the Police Academy compound in Paynesville, key stakeholders shared insights into the project's progress and objectives.

The delegation included Minister Kromah, D. Nalon Kaine, Manager/Cyber Security Coordinator, Project Management Office, Lasana Sando, and Director for Telecommunications and focal person for the project, and a team of journalists led by the ministry's Public Affairs Director, Nathon Bearngar.

Director Kaine revealed that the initiative began in 2019 as part of an Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) project, adding that ECOWAS pledged to provide Liberia with $400 million worth of digital forensic equipment, contingent on the country securing a suitable facility.

However, delays in acquisition of US$100 thousand for renovations stalled progress for six years.

According to him, Minister Kromah's swift action upon assuming office in early 2024 expedited the process when he successfully lobbied President Joseph N. Boakai, who instructed the Ministry of Finance to release the necessary funds.

“We are grateful for the timeliness of Minister Kromah in addressing this issue,” Kaine stated. He also commended the Liberia National Police for providing the building for the project.

He further disclosed that the Digital Forensic Laboratory will be divided into two primary sections: Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) Wing and the Digital Forensic Laboratory Wing.

The CERT section, according to Kaine, will house a cyber team tasked with responding to digital threats, including hacking and cyberattacks. The CERT wing will also monitor Liberia’s digital systems, mitigate threats, and provide cybersecurity training to law enforcement officers and aspiring professionals.

For the Digital Forensic Lab Wing, which is dedicated to investigations, he stated, will enable law enforcement to gather and analyze digital evidence for cases involving crimes such as drug trafficking and financial fraud. “Investigations nowadays require digital evidence,” he explained, highlighting how the lab can track digital communications and aid police and the DEA in solving complex cases.

He also emphasized the lab’s role in fostering regional cooperation, allowing Liberia to share intelligence with neighboring countries and preempt potential threats.

"This project is not just for the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications—it’s for Liberia," he noted. He stressed the lab’s importance in enhancing evidence-based prosecutions and ensuring national security.

At the same time, Director Lasana Sando acknowledged that delays in meeting ECOWAS requirements caused the redirection of equipment to Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone in earlier phases. However, he expressed optimism about Liberia finally being able to fulfill its obligations.

The Digital Forensic Laboratory is poised to transform Liberia’s approach to cybercrime and digital investigations, marking a significant step forward in the Country’s technological and security sector.