The descendants of Serigne Touba have escalated their confrontation with opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Following their legal complaint for defamation after his remarks about alleged financial irregularities in Touba, the group has declared Sonko persona non grata in the holy city—even during the upcoming Grand Magal pilgrimage.
Mokhtar Bousso, spokesperson for the collective, expressed strong condemnation of Sonko’s statements on national radio, calling them a blatant disrespect toward Touba and its founder, Serigne Touba Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba.
Respect for Touba’s legacy deemed non-negotiable
« Anyone who questions Serigne Touba’s teachings should never set foot in Touba. If he truly respected our spiritual leader and his values, he wouldn’t have made such remarks about our city, » Bousso stated firmly.
He emphasized Touba’s profound contributions to Senegal’s development, spanning economic, social, and moral spheres. « Everyone knows Touba has played a pivotal role in nation-building. Sonko must respect this legacy—and its founder—above all else, » he added.
Allegations of ‘dirty money’ spark outrage
The collective also took issue with Sonko’s claims about the presence of illicit funds in Touba, deeming them incompatible with the spirit of the Grand Magal, the city’s most sacred annual gathering.
« To come to Touba and accuse it of harboring dirty money is an insult to Serigne Touba’s memory. He has no business attending the Magal—though we acknowledge that our doors remain open to all, » Bousso asserted.
He urged Sonko to reflect deeply on his actions. « It’s time for introspection. After making such damaging claims, how can he justify returning to Touba? If he believes illicit money flows here, he shouldn’t set foot in the city again, » he argued.
The timing of the remarks, just days before the Grand Magal, drew particular scrutiny. « Touba is the heart of Mouride Islam. To make such statements now—when devotees are preparing for this sacred event—shows a blatant disregard for its success, » Bousso concluded.