The University of The Gambia History Club is preparing to embark on a research trip to Guinea-Conakry in June to come to a better understanding of Gambian history in its regional context.
According to Ensa Touray, coordinator at the club, research suggests that the Kombo and Kaabu in Guinea-Bissau were once linked politically, and that the people of the Kombo had once been assisted by the Kaabu Empire when the Kombo was attacked in the pre-colonial period.
Mr Touray also says that there is reason to believe that most of the Fula were literate and once had a written record. It is hoped that the researchers will be able to find out more during their trip.
Up to 40 people will go on the expedition. An estimated D0.5m is needed to finance the two-week trip, which will also cover research training if funds are available after travel and accommodation expenses.
Mr Touray has appealed for help in raising the money for the proposed trip. Members of the history club are not on scholarship so have to meet the cost of the trip themselves.
Last year, the club embarked on a trip funded by the university, ActionAid and the student union during which they visited Busumbala and Guinea-Bissau to research a war between the Fula and Manding-speaking people.
