The Kicukiro District Court in Rwanda has made a ruling in a child custody case, ordering a DNA test to determine the paternity of a child. The case was brought by Idrissa Ouedraogo against his estranged wife, Ishimwe Vestine. The court has also ordered Vestine to provide Ouedraogo with more photographs of the child. The case was heard on October 28, 2026.
According to the court, Ouedraogo had requested the DNA test to determine his paternity of the child, citing his right to know his biological child. Vestine had initially opposed the request but later agreed to the test, as well as providing Ouedraogo with photographs of the child. The court ruled that the DNA test would be conducted in Canada, where the child currently resides, and the results would be sent to Rwanda for verification.
The court based its decision on Article 48 of the Rwandan law governing persons and family, which provides for the rights of parents to know their biological children. The court also considered the agreement reached between the two parties. The DNA test is expected to be conducted at a laboratory in Canada, and the results will be verified by the Rwanda Forensic Institute.
The child's name is Ishimwe Nollah, and the court has ordered that the DNA test be conducted to determine Ouedraogo's paternity. The test is expected to resolve a long-standing dispute between the two parents over the child's custody. Ouedraogo had previously petitioned the court, seeking to have his parental rights recognized and to be allowed to see his child.
The court's decision has been welcomed by Ouedraogo, who had been seeking a resolution to the dispute. Vestine had previously been reluctant to cooperate with Ouedraogo, but the court's ruling has ordered her to provide him with more photographs of the child and to cooperate with the DNA test. The case highlights the complexities of child custody disputes and the importance of DNA testing in resolving paternity disputes.
The Rwanda Forensic Institute will play a critical role in verifying the results of the DNA test. The institute is responsible for providing forensic services, including DNA analysis, to the Rwandan justice system. The court's decision is expected to bring closure to the dispute between Ouedraogo and Vestine, and to ensure that the child's best interests are protected.
The case demonstrates the importance of seeking justice through the courts in resolving disputes over child custody and paternity. The court's ruling has provided a resolution to the dispute, and has ensured that the child's rights are protected. The DNA test will provide a definitive answer to the question of Ouedraogo's paternity, and will help to establish a stable and secure future for the child.
Key points
- The court has ordered a DNA test to determine the paternity of a child in a case brought by a man against his estranged wife.
- The DNA test will be conducted in Canada, where the child currently resides.
- The court's decision is based on Article 48 of the Rwandan law governing persons and family.
