By Yunus S Saliu
The Nyancho Family Association (NFA)–The Gambia and the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the historic Kaabou Kingdom.
The agreement, signed on 1 July 2026, seeks to strengthen collaboration in promoting Kaabou culture in The Gambia and among descendants of the former kingdom in Senegal, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea.
The MOU focuses on four key areas of cooperation: organising the Kaabou Cultural Festival, preserving the Kaabou Kansala Heritage Sites, documenting the history and traditions of Kaabou, and supporting cultural preservation initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of the Nyancho Family Association, its Public Relations Officer, Hon. Pa Manneh, described the agreement as a significant milestone in efforts to safeguard and celebrate the cultural legacy of the Kaabou Kingdom.
He said the partnership reflects the association’s commitment to preserving history for future generations while promoting cultural tourism and community development.
“Our collaboration with the National Centre for Arts and Culture will help safeguard our history for posterity and create opportunities to showcase our rich cultural heritage,” Manneh said.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to implementing the four pillars of the agreement through joint cultural festivals, guided visits to heritage sites, documentation and archiving of Kaabou history, as well as other cultural promotion activities.
Manneh expressed optimism that the partnership would usher in a new era of cooperation between the two institutions.
“May this agreement serve as a symbol of our shared commitment to preserving our heritage, empowering our communities and promoting cultural excellence for generations to come,” he added.
Representing the Director General of the NCAC, Sanna B. Jarju, Director of Literature, Performing and Fine Arts and Focal Person for the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Project, welcomed the partnership and described it as timely.
Jarju highlighted the historical connections between The Gambia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea, noting that the history of the Nyancho family and the Kaabou Kingdom extends beyond present-day national borders.
“The history and culture of The Gambia cannot be complete without the contribution of the Nyancho family and the Kaabou Kingdom,” he said.
He stressed that while the signing of the MOU marked an important first step, the major task lies in implementing its provisions.
“There is a great deal of research, documentation and preservation work that needs to be undertaken. We need to collect historical materials, preserve important artefacts and strengthen our archives to ensure that this rich history is properly documented,” Jarju said.
He emphasised the need for joint efforts through research, exhibitions, festivals and heritage preservation programmes, adding that the NCAC cannot achieve its mandate without active participation from communities.
“The willingness shown by the Nyancho Family Association is highly encouraging. Together, we can make the cultural sector more vibrant and ensure that our shared history is preserved for future generations,” he said.
Jarju conveyed the Director General’s support for the initiative and reaffirmed NCAC’s commitment to working closely with the association in implementing the agreement.
The signing ceremony was attended by members of the Nyancho Family Association, NCAC officials, cultural stakeholders and representatives of the media.
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