US advisors partnered with the Senegalese Gendarmerie’s Section de Recherches (GIGN-SR) identified the need for laptop computers to help fully realize the capabilities of the GIGN-SR.

The GIGN Section de Recherches is the gendarmerie’s crime lab and processes all of the electronic devices and data confiscated from suspected terrorists during their arrest. The information – in the form of call logs, contacts, digital documents, emails, and text messages – that the Section de Recherches recovers from these devices is then used to identify and locate other members of terrorist networks in Senegal and ensures proper prosecution of the criminals and terrorists in custody.

Members of the GIGN-SR pose for a photo outside of their headquarters in Dakar.

However, as we all know too well, when it comes to technology, what is cutting edge today is little more than a paperweight tomorrow. This is especially true in the world of digital forensics as those seeking to evade capture constantly adapt and adopt increasingly more sophisticated systems to conceal and secure their communications. As one of the advisors described it, “The GIGN’s lab is currently using out-of-date laptops in various states of disrepair – cracked screens, broken keyboards, etc.” As a result, the equipment and training needs are greater than expected.

The capital of Senegal, Dakar. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Attaway)

By providing new modern laptops to the Section de Recherches, Spirit of America will enable US advisors to better train the Section de Recherches on new techniques and how to use more powerful tools to combat terrorism in West Africa. This effort will also foster an increased sense of pride within the GIGN-SR and a stronger connection with their US advisors.