Beyond Biometrics: The Emergence of DNA Analysis in Immigration and Border Control in ECOWAS Sub-Region

Authors: Ngboawaji Daniel Nte* and Nathaniel Nte U

DOI: 10.23880/ijfsc-16000437

Volume 10, Issue 1

Abstract

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub region has witnessed a surge in the use of DNA analysis in immigration and border security. This shift beyond biometrics raises important questions about the implications of genetic surveillance on human rights, sovereignty, and regional integration. This article examines the emergence of DNA analysis in ECOWAS border management, highlighting its applications, benefits, and challenges. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining desk research and field interviews, we investigate the legal frameworks, technological infrastructure, and stakeholder perspectives shaping DNA use in immigration control. Our findings reveal a complex landscape of innovation and concern, as DNA analysis enhances identification and verification but also raises ethical and privacy concerns. We argue that a balanced approach, considering both security needs and human rights, is essential for harnessing the potential of DNA analysis in ECOWAS border security while minimizing its risks. This research contributes to the ongoing debate on the future of border management, biometrics, and genetic surveillance in the Global South.

Keywords: Biometrics; DNA; Immigration; Border Security

View PDF