NACPWD & GFD Mourn the Passing of Dr Karamo N.M. Sonko

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NACPWD & GFD Mourn the Passing of Dr Karamo N.M. Sonko - Steadfast Champion of the Disability Community in The Gambia Banjul, The Gambia — 8 June 2026 — The National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities (NACPWD) and the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Dr Karamo N.M. Sonko in London. Dr Sonko was a steadfast partner and tireless champion of the disability community in The Gambia. His commitment, generosity and advocacy uplifted many people with disabilities and strengthened our collective voice. His loss leaves a significant void in the ongoing struggle for inclusion and dignity. The National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Gambia Federation of the Disabled extend heartfelt condolences to Dr Sonko’s family, friends, and the people of Sintate, Foni District. They join the community in prayer and in honouring his memory as he was laid to rest in his home village on Friday, 5 June 2026. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. May He grant the family and the disability fraternity strength and patience in this difficult time. “Be assured that implementation of his project with GFD will continue," — His Worship Muhammed Krubally, Chairperson, NACPWD; Chairman, GFD Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un — To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return DR KARAMO N.M. SONKO — A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP Dr Sonko was a Gambian multidisciplinary social scientist and seasoned international development practitioner with wide experience across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. He held a B.A. (First Class) in Public Administration and Sociology (University of Swaziland), an MPhil in Development Economics and Politics (University of Cambridge) and a Ph.D. with distinction in International Economics & Development (University of Denver). His research and publications cover economic policy, regional integration and Islamic finance; he was a recipient of the Islamic Research and Training Institute’s 2017–18 research award. His career included posts as Economist at the IMF; Associate Expert at the Organisation of African Unity, where he authored the framework paper for the African Economic Community; and Economics Affairs Officer at the UN Economic Commission for Africa, where he co-founded the African Economic and Social Review. In the private and humanitarian sectors he chaired Taf Africa Global Ltd., served as Chief Strategist for Africa at Orca Gold Inc., was President & CEO of Jula Consultancy FZE, and founded Heeno International in Banjul. In 2020 he became Founding Chairman and trustee of WellBoring West Africa. A pioneer of continent‐wide private investment dialogue, Dr Sonko organised the landmark 1996 multi‐institutional investment conference in Accra that helped catalyse renewed interest in investment across Africa. Sign: His Worship Muhammed Krubally Chairperson, NACPWD | Chairman, GFD Email: nacpwd@gmail.com Tel: (220) 7739329 / 7864934 Email: muhammedkrubally@gmail.com / (2) Facebook See less

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