The Gambia High Commission in UK

Family of the Late Dr. Karamo Sonko Pays Courtesy Call on H.E. Dr. Fatou Bensouda.

Today, 1 June 2026, members of the family of the late Dr. Karamo Sonko, including his daughter, paid a courtesy call on the Gambian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bensouda.

On behalf of the High Commission, and by extension His Excellency President Adama Barrow and the Government of The Gambia, Her Excellency conveyed her deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the late Dr. Karamo Sonko across the globe.

Her Excellency described Dr. Karamo Sonko as a distinguished son of The Gambia who contributed immensely to the country’s national development. She noted that he was widely respected around the world for his humility, kindness, and philanthropic efforts, having supported countless individuals and worthy causes both within The Gambia and beyond.

She remarked that his passing is deeply felt by all those whose lives he touched. Dr. Sonko will be remembered for his exceptional character, intelligence, humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to serving others.

On behalf of the family, Dr. Alagie Marong, nephew of the late Dr. Karamo Sonko, expressed profound gratitude to Her Excellency the High Commissioner, the staff of the High Commission, and the Gambian community in the United Kingdom and around the world for their support, prayers, and solidarity during this extremely difficult time.

Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda attended the Africa Day 2026 commemorations in London. She was accompanied by Counsellor Mrs Sainey Barrow Mbye and Senior Protocol Assistant Mrs Mama Jobe Conateh. The event took place at the Novotel Hotel in London.

In line with this year’s theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation,” the discussions and messages delivered were centred on partnership, unity, solidarity, and fraternity as essential pillars for achieving this objective.

The promotion of trade within the African continent was also strongly emphasized by all speakers, who highlighted the importance of strengthening intra-African trade as a catalyst for economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development across Africa.

The event was vibrant and colourful, showcasing the rich diversity of African culture. Cultural music performances and a fashion show were among the highlights of the celebration, adding a festive atmosphere to the occasion and reflecting the continent’s rich heritage and creativity.

Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner, Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Suntou Touray and staff expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of late Renowned Gambian Scholar, Entrepreneur, and Humanitarian Dr. Karamo Sonko who passed away in London this morning.
A relative called the Mission to notify us about the sad demise of the scholar and philanthropist.

“Dr. Karamo N.M. Sonko, Ph.D., a distinguished Gambian economist, strategist, and Chairman of TAF Africa Global, passed away early Friday morning in London. He was a towering figure in African development, business, and humanitarian efforts whose life bridged academia, international service, and entrepreneurship.

Born in The Gambia, Sonko rose from humble beginnings, selling kola nuts while farming and attending school, to become a world-renowned multidisciplinary social scientist. He earned a B.A. (First Class) from the University of Swaziland, an M.Phil. from the University of Cambridge, and a Ph.D. with distinction from the University of Denver. Forgoing a comfortable academic career in the U.S., he returned to Africa to serve with the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Organization of African Unity (OAU), where he contributed to the framework for the African Economic Community.

A prolific consultant and executive, Sonko held senior roles at the IMF, advised governments and multinationals, and pioneered private investment initiatives across Africa. He founded Jula Consultancy, led mining ventures, and championed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, co-authoring groundbreaking books launched at venues like the Burj Khalifa during COP28. As Chairman of TAF Africa Global and founder of the humanitarian NGO Heeno International, he drove real estate development, sustainable mining, water projects, and support for persons with disabilities.

Gambians remember his inspiring address as guest speaker at TAFCON 2017. A childhood friend and trusted confidant to many, including TAF founder Mustapha Njie, Sonko embodied integrity, humility, and pan-African vision.

Condolences pour in for his family in The Gambia and abroad. Dr. Sonko leaves a lasting legacy of ethical leadership and service to the continent and humanity. He will be deeply missed.”
May Allah grant him Jannah. Amin

Gambian Community in England, Scotland, Wales, Sweden observed Eidul-Adha.

H.E Dr Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner with Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, speaker of U.K. House of Commons. They meet during the state opening of parliament and had few words on partnership between Gambian parliament and that of the United Kingdom. Sir Lindsay is an advocate of preservation of forestry and natural habitat. Discussions were made on how to champion such causes in the Gambia.

Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner hosted Hon Prof Pierre Gomez and delegation along with Mr Masireh K. Drammeh, Director General of Internal audit services and Madam Halimatou Barrow, business executive to a lunch at her residence today.
Hon Prof Pierre Gomez is in London with his technical team to attend the world Education Forum and lobby for needed technical support to the University of the Gambia and increase the number of Commonwealth scholarships for deserving Gambian students.

Madam Halimatou Barrow a business woman is in U.K. on her own initiative.

As part of bilateral engagements, the MoHERST delegation, headed by Hon. Prof. Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, and accompanied by Mr. Suntou Touray, Deputy Head of Mission, held meetings with the Secretary-General of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and representatives of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC).

The discussions focused on strengthening the CSC scholarship package for Gambians and increasing the number of successful candidates in alignment with national development priorities.

In addition, the delegation sought technical assistance support from the ACU to strengthen institutional governance and administrative processes within public universities in The Gambia.
The meeting was highly productive, with detailed discussions on the history and development of the University of The Gambia (UTG), as well as the need for a comprehensive institutional governance review by leading experts to enhance the quality, efficiency, and international standards of the university.

19 May 2026
The Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Prof. Pierre Gomez, and the Honourable Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Habibatou Drammeh, accompanied by a delegation of technical officials, are currently in London, United Kingdom, to participate in the Education World Forum 2026.

On the margins of the Forum, the delegation is engaging in a series of bilateral meetings with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), and other international education partners. These engagements are geared towards enhancing and strengthening The Gambia’s education, research, science, and technology sectors through strategic cooperation and partnership.

Mr. Suntou Touray, Deputy Head of Mission at the Gambian High Commission in London, met with the two Honourable Ministers and their respective teams to discuss avenues through which the Mission can further collaborate with the Ministries in advancing cooperation between United Kingdom education institutions and The Gambia.

In a related development, Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bensouda represented The Gambia at the United Kingdom Global Partnership Conference, jointly convened by the Governments of the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Subsequently, High Commissioner Bensouda held discussions with the Director General of Internal Audit of The Gambia, Mr. Masireh K. Drammeh, on measures aimed at strengthening institutional efficiency and enhancing the effective delivery of the Mission’s core mandate.