A senior Gambian diplomat has died after contracting coronavirus, Gambiana has learned.

Sambou Gassama was a coordinator and translator at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

He died on Friday, his family said. 

Mr Gassama was a linguist, historian and author. 

He has authored several books. His last book In Search of Knowledge and Self-Development was published in 2019 to rave reviews. 

Tributes have been paid for the late diplomat. 

“With a heavy heart, I have just received news about the passing of my dear friend, Alhagi Sambou Gassama. He formally served as Head of Translation in the African Union. May Allah grant him Jannah,” Basidia Drammeh, a friend and confidant said. 

“The Gambia has lost a historian,  diplomat extraordinaire, and a linguist. 

My sincere condolences to his family and may the Almighty Allah grant him highest Janna,” said Sanusi Drammeh. 

“Sambou Gassama is a fountain of wisdom and knowledge who dedicated his life to service and community. I will miss him dearly,” Lamin Darboe said.

This article was amended on 10 August 2020 to include a clarification from the Sambou family that the late diplomat did not died from coronavirus as was reported.

We apologise to the Sambou Family for any distress caused.