This book is about the history of the major ethnic groups of the Senegambia region in pre-colonial time.
It deals with the origin, migration, state and empire formations, if any, and finally with the disintegration and (or) subjugation of these groups by outsiders. It therefore aims at providing a basic but essential knowledge of the peoples of the area before and after the arrival of the Europeans. Thus it will prove invaluable to children of the region and readers who are interested in the historical developments of the area. The book also helps to address and disprove the generally held view that Africa had no history prior to the coming of the Europeans.

The two independent states of Senegal and The Gambia are located in the Senegambia region which is bounded on the north by the Republic of Mauritania, along the course of the river Senegal, on the east by the Republic of Mali; on the south by the Republic of Guinea and Guinea-Bissau and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Together the two independent states cover an area of approximately 207,200 square kilometers.

Senegal overwhelms The Gambia with her size and position. It is about 196,000 square kilometers in area whereas The Gambia is only 11,000 square kilometers The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal on the north, east and south; and in the west faces the Atlantic Ocean. Thus The Gambia has been described as an arrow through a heart’, for she divides Senegal into two unequal parts. Though landlocked with the exception of the western part, The Gambia has the distinct feature of having the most navigable river in West-Africa. The ‘golden river’ that meanders through the length of the country makes all parts of it easily accessible and serviceable.

This book is entitled “Ethnic Groups of The Senegambia: A Brief History” and not “Ethnic Groups of The Gambia” because of the fact that the history of the independent states of Senegal and The Gambia are interrelated. Although, these states have different official languages, monetary and educational systems, they share the same ethnic groups, religions, culture and traditions.

The word “Senegambia” is not new. It was used as early as 1765 by the British to refer to the French settlements of Goree Island and St.Louis in Senegal and the British settlement of James Island in The Gambia, under their administration. Its usage has become more common with the cooperation of Senegal and The Gambia on 1st of February 1982. At present, attempts are being made at closer cooperation and harmonization of various areas in the two countries. For these reasons Sene-Gambia is an apt word for the title of the book.

In 1983, the national histories of member countries of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), of which The Gambia is a member, was launched as a requirement for candidates of the history examination. Since there has been renewed efforts in many African countries to reassess and rewrite their histories, historians of the Council were aware of the felt need to promote the history of West Africa and to help dispel certain misconceptions and enigmas that have been prevalent over the years. This book is one of many which will help Gambian candidates to answer the first part of the National History paper