By Yunus S Saliu
In a landmark and emotionally charged ceremony at the Bakau Fire Station, Sonja Arup, President of an NGO called Star Up Corazón Solidario – Gambia who is affectionately known in The Gambia as Sona Mariama was officially conferred with the honourary title of Deputy Chief Fire Officer of The Gambia Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS). The appointment was made by the leadership of the GFRS and validated by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Abdoulie Sanyang.
During the unprecedented ceremony, the official ranks were personally placed on Sonja Arup by the Hon. Minister of Defence, Sering Modou Njie, and the Minister Chief of Staff, Mod K. Ceesay, in the presence of national and international dignitaries.
This historic moment marks the first time a Western woman has been granted such a high honorary rank in The Gambia’s emergency services. This position highlighted Sonja Arup’s extraordinary contributions to the country’s development in emergency response, civil protection, and public safety.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Honourable Minister Sering Modou Njie disclosed “Since she first began working alongside our teams nearly two years ago, Ms. Arup has demonstrated exceptional commitment, integrity, and leadership. Her unwavering dedication to the development of The Gambia’s emergency services has made a transformative impact, not only on our infrastructure but on our spirit and confidence as a national institution.”
Over the past two years, she has led efforts that have mobilized more than €3 million in emergency vehicles, technical equipment, and strategic support. These resources have, directly, benefitted not only the GFRS, but also the national health system, civil protection authorities, and security forces.
“The true value of her work is not measured in Euros,” the Minister emphasized, “but in lives protected, skills transferred, systems improved, and trust built.”
He added that the Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Sonja Arup has been instrumental in shaping the national emergency response strategy, establishing a local manufacturing initiative for rescue equipment, and providing hands-on training to firefighters and emergency personnel throughout the country.
Following the ceremony, DCFO Sonja Arup expressed gratitude “It is with deep honor and pride that I receive this title. I feel like one more Gambian, this country is in my heart. I love The Gambia and I am committed to continuing this journey together, side by side, in service of its people and future.”
The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Abdoulie Jobe; Director General of Immigration, Ebrima Mboob; UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Karl Frédérick Paul; the Interior Operational Support of the Spanish Diplomatic Antenna in The Gambia; as well as Mayor Volkan from the Embassy of Turkey, Commander Joof – the ECOMIG commander in the Gambia, and other international bodies.
This groundbreaking appointment symbolizes more than recognition. It is a powerful message of unity, shared purpose, and the belief that leadership and service transcend nationality, gender, and borders.
