In a bold show of defiance, a prominent group representing the descendants of Serigne Touba has formally declared Ousmane Sonko, leader of the PASTEF movement, persona non grata in Touba. This unprecedented move comes after the coalition filed a defamation lawsuit against Sonko, accusing him of making damaging remarks about financial transactions in the holy city.
a defiant response to controversial remarks
The coalition, which brings together the grandchildren of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba—founder of the Mouride brotherhood—has taken a firm stance against Sonko’s alleged comments about the circulation of “dirty money” in Touba.
Mokhtar Bousso, the group’s spokesperson, addressed the issue on RFM radio, emphasizing that Sonko’s remarks were not only disrespectful but also incompatible with the spiritual values of the holy city.
« Anyone who questions the authority of Serigne Touba should never set foot in Touba. If Ousmane Sonko truly respected Serigne Touba and his teachings, he would never have made such statements about the city, » Bousso declared.
touba’s unparalleled contributions to Senegal
The collective underscored Touba’s pivotal role in Senegal’s development—economically, socially, and morally. « Everyone knows that Touba has always been at the forefront of the country’s progress. Ousmane Sonko owes it to Touba—and to its founder—to show proper respect, » Bousso added.
He went on to highlight the timing of Sonko’s remarks, which came just days before the Grand Magal—a major annual pilgrimage that draws thousands of Mouride faithful to Touba. « To bring up allegations of dirty money during this sacred period is nothing short of disrespectful to Serigne Touko and the millions preparing for this spiritual gathering, » he argued.
a call for introspection
Bousso further urged Sonko to reflect deeply on his next steps. « Ousmane Sonko must ask himself whether he should ever return to Touba after making such claims. If he believes dirty money has infiltrated the city, then he has no business being there, » he stated.
The collective’s decision to declare Sonko unwelcome in Touba reflects growing tensions between political figures and religious authorities in Senegal. As the Grand Magal approaches, this dispute is expected to fuel further debate about the intersection of politics, religion, and tradition in the country.
