By Lamin Cham
Dr Fatou Bensouda, The Gambia’s high commissioner in London, has been honoured with the prestigious Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the promotion of the rule of law, justice and human rights globally.
Dr Bensouda delivered the 19th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in 2021, reflecting her longstanding commitment to justice, accountability and human rights. The Nelson Mandela Foundation subsequently recognised her contribution with an award bust.
During her visit to South Africa in November 2025, the foundation proposed to present the bust to her. The award was received on her behalf by Madam Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, The Gambia’s high commissioner in South Africa.
Madam Jahumpa-Ceesay took the award to London, where she formally presented it to High Commissioner Bensouda.
The recognition places Dr Bensouda among distinguished global figures associated with the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture and its legacy of advancing human dignity, justice and equality. Past lecturers and honourees include former US President Barack Obama, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former South African President Thabo Mbeki, Nobel Peace Laureate Malala Yousafzai and philanthropist Bill Gates.
The Mandela Foundation in s statement, noted that the award is a fitting acknowledgement of Dr Bensouda’s distinguished career and enduring contribution to the pursuit of justice, the rule of law and human rights.