Kombo Yiriwa Kafo
Striving for a Better Kombo
Welcome to Kombo Yiriwa Kafo (KYK)
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We are Committed to Building a Better and More Inclusive Kombo for Every Resident, Ensuring that Everyone Feels Valued and Empowered in our Community.
Note: Map of the Kombo region of The Gambia, adapted from "Gambia West Coast Region Map Showing Districts," by the ResearchGate, Copyright
© 2008-2025 by ResearchGate GmbH.
The map shows all Local Government Areas (LGAs) affiliated with the KYK.
KYK Honors Cultural Icon, Pa Bobo Jobarteh with $500 Gift
Jali Pa Bobo Jobarteh
Washington, March 2025: Kombo Yiriwa Kafo Diaspora Chapter honored the legendary Kora player, Pa Bobo Jobarteh, also known as Kombo Jali, with a generous gift of $500. This gesture was made in appreciation of his tireless efforts to preserve the rich history and heritage of Kombo.
Currently based in Seattle, Washington, Jali Pa Bobo took the opportunity to dedicate a heartfelt song to Kombo Yiriwa Kafo, demonstrating a beautiful gesture that reflects the deep connection between the artist and the community.
In this song, he highlighted the Kafo’s indelible impact on the socio-economic development of Kombo and its people. Such acts help to foster a sense of pride and unity among the people of Kombo, reminding them of their rich heritage and the importance of supporting those who work to keep it alive.
Through his music, Pa Bobo not only celebrates the region's cultural legacy but also underscores the vital role that art and heritage play in fostering community growth and resilience.
This exchange of support and creativity exemplifies the strong ties between the artist and his roots, inspiring others to value and contribute to their own cultural narratives. It’s inspiring to see how cultural figures like Pa Bobo can influence and uplift their communities, even from afar.
KYK Supports Kafuta and Faraba Kairaba Road & Fire Victims
Kafuta, March 23, 2025: The Kombo Yiriwa Kafo (KYK), through its diaspora chapter, showed its commitment yet again to community welfare, by aiding victims of road and fire incidents in Kafuta and Faraba Kairaba respectively.
A tragic road accident in Kafuta led to the deaths of at least four people and left over 40 others injured when a motorist reportedly crashed a vehicle into a crowd of jubilant young sports fans. Meanwhile, a fire in Faraba Kairaba destroyed the family home of the local VDC Chairperson.
The KYK delegation, led by Chairman Kebba Omar Jaiteh, donated D23,000.00 to the Alkalo and respected elders of Kafuta, expressing condolences and
reaffirming KYK's dedication to local communities. Delegation members, including Cherno Njie, Baba Bojang, Lamin Camara, Amadou Bojang (Amfal), and Baboucar Sowe, voiced solidarity with the affected families.
The Kafuta Village Development Committee (VDC) Chairman assured that the funds would be used effectively to help those in need. Additionally, KYK’s delegation visited
Faraba Kairaba to donate D10,000.00 to Saikou Sowe, the local VDC chairman, whose family faced significant losses from a devastating house fire. Sowe expressed deep gratitude for KYK's timely support and Chairman Jaiteh’s compassionate outreach. The Sowe family appreciates the assistance and is committed to using the funds wisely as they rebuild after this difficult time.
KYK Presents a Grant Award to Mengbe Kering Home Digital
Cross Section of the audience
Standing on the left, KYK Chairman, KOJ Delivered Cash to Home Digital CEO
Standing on the left, KYK Chairman, KOJ Delivered Cash to Home Digital CEO
Brikama, January 2025: The Kombo Yiriwa Kafo (KYK), recently made a generous donation of US$500 to Pa Modou Bojang, the CEO and Founder of Home Digital FM. The grant derived from the organization's diaspora branch, was intended to bolster Mr. Bojang's vision of empowering communities through information dissemination.
The presentation was graced by several officials of KYK, including Kebba Omar Jaiteh, alias KOJ (Chairperson of KYK), Marley Jallow (Administrative Officer), Lamin S. Jatta and Amadou Bojang
Standing on the left, KYK Chairman, KOJ Delivered Cash to Home Digital CEO
Standing on the left, KYK Chairman, KOJ Delivered Cash to Home Digital CEO
Standing on the left, KYK Chairman, KOJ Delivered Cash to Home Digital CEO
(Youth Representatives), Sedia Jatta (Chairperson of the KYK Diaspora Chapter), and Dr. Kanteh (Executive Committee member).
Pa Modou Bojang was recognized for his advocacy for the rights and well-being of the people of Kombo. His efforts focus on informing and educating the community on pressing national and socio-economic issues. His vision resonates with KYK’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of the community, particularly in areas related to land and environmental concerns.
KYK Activity Report Presented by the Secretary General
Bakau, 2023: The Secretary General's report outlines the activities, successes, and challenges of the KYK over the period from 2019 to 2023, focusing on key thematic areas: Physical and Digital Addresses for KYK, Land, Environment, Health, Education, Youth, and Culture.
Physical Address for KYK
The Association successfully secured a physical office location in the heart of Brikama, enhancing its operational capacity and visibility.
A signboard has been arranged for the office; Mr. Cham urged the incoming Executive Committee to install it and organize a formal inauguration ceremony.
Digital Presence Challenges:
Despite considerable efforts, the creation of a digital address, website, and social media presence remains unrealized. This is an area identified for future improvement.
Ongoing Land Crisis in Kombo:
The report highlighted persistent land disputes affecting nearly every settlement in Kombo. Notable incidents included:
one fatality in Gunjur, three deaths in Faraba Banta, and the arrest and detention of several youths in Sukuta, which escalated tensions regarding land issues.
Executive Committee Actions:
In the aftermath of the tragic deaths of youths in Gunjur and Faraba Banta, the Vice Chairperson led a delegation to console the bereaved families. A reconciliation mechanism was deployed in the Gunjur - berending incidents, and solidarity land crisis, the Executive Committee issued a 15-point open letter to the President, which included demands for:
• The release of detained youths in Sukuta. They also met with authorities on the merits of their petition demands.
• The lands found by the Janneh Commission to be illegally acquired by former President Jammeh to be restored to their rightful community owners.
• The enforcement of
previous court judgments concerning land disputes in Kombo.
Education Scholarship Initiatives:
The Association successfully acquired and distributed 15 scholarships to deserving students:
• Six scholarships were awarded to students at the University of The Gambia and the American University in The Gambia.
• Nine scholarships were dedicated to promoting science education at higher institutions.
Health and Environment:
Community Engagement:
The Kafo engaged in tree planting initiatives and organized health fairs in selected communities, promoting environmental sustainability and health awareness.
• The Association supported local and national efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic by donating sanitary supplies to coastal towns, including Brufut, Gunjur, Sanyang, and Tujereng.
Media and Public Outreach:
The Kafo members regularly participated in media and public interfaces to disseminate information about the Association’s core values and objectives, enhancing community awareness and involvement.
Cultural Initiatives
• Kombo Bengwo Event:
The anticipated Kombo Bengwo event received positive feedback from local chiefs; however, it has not yet materialized, indicating a need for further planning and execution.
Engagements with VDCs:
The imagination for an all VDCs meeting with the KYK came to fruition in Brikama. The outcome of the meeting included the setting up of the reps forum, and the launch of whatsapp and facebook handles for the kafo.
Diaspora Engagement
Diaspora Branch Development:
The initiative for a diaspora branch, inspired by the late Baba Eaks, has gained momentum. The KYK amended its constitution to accommodate the unique
M. L. Cham, Secretary General
M. L. Cham, Secretary General
circumstances of the diaspora, allowing for registration and incorporation in the United States.
• The diaspora has become a reliable partner and benefactor, sponsoring health fairs, providing equipment and material donations, and covering expenses for establishing and maintaining the new KYK office.
Conclusion & Recommendations
In conclusion, Mr. Cham emphasized the importance of prioritizing ongoing and pending activities for the incoming Executive Committee, which include:
1. Office Sign Board Installation & Inauguration
Complete the installation of the new office signboard and schedule its official inauguration.
2. Digital Presence Development:
Create a digital address and website, and enhance our social media presence to improve outreach and communication.
3. Land Application Follow-Up:
Follow up on the land application submitted to the Ministry of Lands.
4. Petition to the President:
Ensure follow-up on the 15-point petition submitted to the President regarding land issues and related concerns.
5. Initiation of Kombo Bengwo:
Continue the process of initiating the Kombo Bengwo to discuss shared interests and community concerns.
By addressing these priorities, the incoming Executive Committee can build on past successes and further enhance the impact of the KYK Association within the community.
Leaders Unravel KYK's Mission Using Media Outlets
The Chairperson of KYK Diaspora Chapter, Mr. Seedia Jatta, Vice Chairperson of KYK Gambia, Mr. Ousman Cham, joined by the focal person for the environment, Mr. Foday Bojang, and the focal person for youth and sports, Mr. Jammeh Bojang, appeared separately on Mengbe Kering and Kerr Fatou Media respectively, where they engaged in an enlightening discussions. The conversations spanned a variety of crucial topics, including our historical trajectory, our key objectives, the challenges we currently encounter, and thoughtful insights into future strategies for progress.
Seedia Jatta
Ousman Cham
Jammeh Bojang
Their dialogue aimed to shed light on the organization's mission and its vital role in addressing contemporary issues confronting
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Foday Bojang
our people and communities. For more information on this story, please check the YouTube footage available on the community tab.
KYK Financial Report - January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2023
Bakau, 2023: The financial report covering January 2019 to December 2023 indicates revenue shortfalls that hinder the funding of the much needed projects and programs in the region. The organization, however, offset these deficits with a balance of D210,999.31 from the previous year and a positive cash balance for 2024. Presented by Alhagie Ceesay on behalf of the acting treasurer, the report emphasizes the need for KYK to diversify its income sources for long-term sustainability.
Though the COVID-19 pandemic posed difficulties, donations of D165,267 were crucial to financial stability. Significant expenses stemmed from health fairs, AGM preparations, and the canceled AGM in Lamin, which affected planned activities. KYK is dedicated to reassessing spending strategies and exploring additional income opportunities for financial growth.
Financial Summary
Period: January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2023
Total Income: D190,717
Total Expenditure: D371,458.79
Deficit: D180,741.79
Amount Brought Forward from Previous Period: D210,999.31
Net Assets Carried Forward: D30,257 (as of January 1, 2024).
Income Breakdown
1. New Members Registration Fees:
• Number of New Members: 64
• Fee per Member: D200
• Total from Registration Fees: D12,800
2. Annual Membership Subscriptions:
• Number of Members: 33
• Subscription Fee per Member: D200
• Total from Subscriptions: D6,600
3. Donations Received:
• KYK Diaspora: D60,582
• Late Dr. Kujay Manneh: D37,750
• Fansu Bojang: D30,000
• Hon. Ebrima Sillah: D15,000
• Total Donations: D165,267
4. Fundraising Income:
• Total from Fundraising Activities (Senewya Football, T-shirt Sales, Other Contributions): D6,050
Expenditure Breakdown
1. 2018 AGM Preparations: D81,195
2. Health Fairs in Manduar, Gunjur, and Mandinaring (twice): D94,000 3. 2019 AGM in Brikama: D67,360
4. Cancelled AGM in Lamin (COVID-related): D18,485
5. Land Application for KYK Office Space: D50,000
6. Wages for Admin Officer (paid D3,500/month): D49,000
7. Tree Planting at Sukuta: D33,500
8. KYK/VDC Meeting in Brikama (2023): D19,375
9. COVID Sanitary Supplies Distributed: D17,250
10. Website Building Efforts: D8,000
Net Assets Position: D30,257
Despite the deficit for the period, the organization maintains a net asset of D30,257, carried forward to 2024.
KYK Holds Third ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IN BAKAU
Bakau, 2024: The Kombo Yiriwa Kafo (KYK) and its partner stakeholders gathered in the picturesque town of Bakau for the annual general meeting (AGM) of 2024. The outgoing Chairman, Alhagie Conteh, warmly welcomed delegates and guests, expressing gratitude for their steadfast commitment to the development of Kombo and the nation. He took a moment to honor the memory of members who had passed away in recent years, including Mr. Babou Sarr of Lamin (2021), Ebrima Sanneh of Brikama (2020), Mankamang Touray of Gunjur (2020), Abdoulie A K Bojang of Sukuta (2021), and Lamin Sanneh of Bakau (2021). Conteh acknowledged their significant contributions to the Kafo since its inception and urged members to continue advancing the causes to which they dedicated their lives.
The outgoing Vice Chairperson, Mr. Ousman Cham, addressed rumors that were being peddled around that suggested KYK’s political ambitions. He emphasized the organization’s apolitical credo as outlined in its constitution, encouraging members to exercise their civic rights of supporting any political party of their choice while leveraging their connections for the benefit of Kombo. He further reaffirmed that KYK does not endorse any partisan agenda in its activities or considerations.
The outgoing Secretary General, Mr. Momodou Lamin Cham, provided a synopsis of the presentations in the previous AGM held in Brikama on February 23, 2019. He cited the Treasurer's financial report indicating a total income of D269,900.00 and total expenditures of D244,688.28,
resulting in a net income of D25,211.72 Of the total expenditure, Senaw- Ya Football Matches accounted for 58%. Cham also noted that the Kafo’s net assets stood at D208,149.31. The activity report for the term ending December 31, 2019, highlighted the tragic incident at Faraba Banta on June 18, 2018, during which three youngsters lost their lives. The KYK leadership attended the funerals, visited the scene of the incident, and issued a press release in response.
Cham detailed outreach efforts that included a series of stakeholder meetings with the Governor, Kombo National Assembly members, Area Councilors, and Village Development Committees (VDCs) to introduce them to KYK’s mission and collaborative development agenda. They encouraged the National Assembly members of Kombo to initiate a parliamentary caucus group to advance shared goals with the constituents in Kombo.
Mr. Cham further affirmed that the Kafo successfully created a dynamic twelve-member youth wing, and coopted some of its members into the Executive Committee.
Cham remarked that the Executive Committee established an administrative office and hired a salaried staff member on-site.
In pursuit of a permanent office, KYK applied for land from the Ministry of Lands, paying D50,000 Despite follow-up efforts by a KYK delegation to the Minister of Lands, the matter remains unresolved and will require further attention from the incoming Executive Committee
At the community level, the Kafo partnered with "Your Change for Change", a respected domestic non-profit organization, to deliver free health screening across Kombo. Additionally, the Kafo made a substantial donation of D70,000 (Seventy Thousand Gambian Dalasi) for the Sukuta mortuary project, demonstrating our firm commitment to community welfare. To promote our vital traditional heritage and strengthen unity among various communities, KYK organized “Senewya” football matches featuring the towns of Sukuta, Gunjur, Kafuta, Pirang, and Faraba Banta. Cham concluded by highlighting several initiatives that the outgoing Executive had begun but were not completed due to the transition to the new administration. He urged the incoming Executive Committee to prioritize the implementation of these initiatives, which include:
1. Conducting an inventory of all real estate agencies operating in Kombo.
2. Investigating and documenting all sand and gravel mining activities in Kombo.
3. Drafting a KYK Position Paper on the new National Draft Constitution.
4. Establishing a scholarship program for deserving youth pursuing higher education.
5. Creating a well-constructed website for the Kafo.
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KYK Promotes Health Awareness with Wellness Screening
KYK has taken significant strides in promoting preventative healthcare by offering comprehensive free health screening programs across the communities of Kombo. This annual event serves as a crucial platform for early disease detection, aimed at significantly reducing health risks and offering tailored treatment options to residents.
The screenings not only provide vital health assessments but also create an opportunity for skilled medical practitioners to engage with individuals, offering personalized counseling about their specific health risks.
The events further promote healthy lifestyle changes, encouraging participants to adopt practices that can lead to long-term wellness. Given the challenges and limited access to adequate healthcare in these underserved communities, such programs foster a culture of preventative care. By reaching out in this way, KYK is making a meaningful contribution to the health and vitality of the Kombo area, empowering residents to take control of their health and future.
KYK Wins Hearts of Communities Through Senaw-Ya Football
The KYK has captured the hearts of communities through its commitment to sports and cultural engagement. By organizing a series of Senaw-Ya football matches in Sukuta, Gunjur, Pirang, and Kafuta, amongst others, KYK has not only promoted physical activity but also strengthened community ties through sports and cultural expression. The Super Cup finals at Sukuta Dembadu Football Ground
were a testament to this effort, as key figures from KYK, including Vice Chairperson Ousman Cham and Secretary General M L Cham, along with Youth Wing leaders Matarr Manjang and K K Bojang, were present to support the event. Their participation highlighted the organization’s dedication to fostering unity and social cohesion within the region. The generous
donation of D5,000, along with five packs of refreshments from the Kafo, further exemplifies KYK’s commitment to uplifting the community and enhancing the experience of local sports events. This initiative not only encourages athleticism but also serves as a platform for cultural expression and community bonding, reinforcing the importance of togetherness in the region.
KYK Calls Press Conference Over Land & Environmental Matters
Yundum, April 28, 2019: The issue of land conflicts in Kombo presents significant challenges, often stemming from interactions among individuals, real estate developers, government policies, and historical injustices. Communities from Brufut to Kafuta have faced losses of ancestral lands, contributing to the disappearance of agricultural lands and the growing calls for preserving the few remaining protected forests.
The Kombo Yiriwa Kafo (KYK) held a press conference in New Yundum to urge the government to ban the allocation of communal land to address recent incidents in Gunjur and Berending, where community clashes led to one fatality and three deaths in Faraba Banta, as well as the detention of youths from Sukuta due to land ownership and environmental concerns.
KYK emphasized its commitment to peaceful- coexistence, urging restraint and due process in resolving such disputes. The organization highlighted the need for alternative dispute resolution methods and expressed disappointment over the prolonged court litigation stemming from the Gunjur Salam case.
It deemed the timely justice delivery and enforcement of court orders in land cases essential for community co-existence.
Key issues identified included poor land
administration, the lack of zoning laws for land use, and the indiscriminate sale of community-owned lands due to real estate expansion. The press conference also noted harmful mining practices affecting local agriculture and ecosystems.
Demands made to the government and community leaders included:
1. Enforce the Court of Appeal’s judgment in The Gunjur Salam case.
2. Foster reconciliation between Gunjur and Berending communities.
3. Expedite land case litigation for prompt resolution.
4. Protect remaining forest reserves from encroachment. Forest reserves, like Nyambai, Salagi, and Kabafita, must remain protected and not repurposed.
5. Enforce regulations on real estate activities.
6. Involve Kombo stakeholders in land commission discussions.
7. Ensure communal lands are not allocated to private investors without consent.
8. Develop responsible sand and gravel mining policies.
These recommendations aim to promote fair land management and address critical environmental concerns in the region.
CHAIRPERSON’S REMARKS AT THE SECOND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Brikama, February 12, 2019: Delegates from various sectors of Kombo gathered in Brikama for the second Annual General Meeting (AGM) of KYK. Chairperson Alhagie Conteh acknowledged community leaders, including the Seyfolu and Alkalolu, and expressed gratitude for the democratic environment under the new dispensation.
He honoured the late Dr. Kutubo Manneh of Brufut and highlighted key accomplishments from 2018, such as engaging Village Development Committees (VDCs), establishing a Youth Wing, and forming a diaspora branch. Conteh praised the Youth Wing's successful initiatives, including Senaw-Ya Football matches and Health Fairs, which contributed to a significant increase in membership. He lauded the significant and multifaceted
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Chairperson, Alhagie Conteh
role that the diaspora plays in shaping economic and social dynamics within the communities and the nation. Conteh also addressed the tragic incident in Faraba Banta in June 2018 that resulted in three fatalities, noting efforts to demand an independent inquiry and condemn excessive force by security. He raised concerns about ongoing land conflicts and led a delegation to meet with the Honorable Minister of Lands and Regional Affairs to discuss land matters and related environmental
Treasurer, Ebrima Sanneh (Baba Eaks)
Treasurer, Ebrima Sanneh (Baba Eaks)
issues, advocating for stronger protective policies. He emphasized the importance of developing a database for eligible youth to seek government support for academic and vocational programs, as well as fostering unity and respect for cultural diversity in the region. Conteh concluded by expressing confidence in collaborating with the government and local partners to implement meaningful development programs benefiting the community.
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