A collective representing the descendants of Serigne Touba has escalated its stance against Ousmane Sonko, leader of the PASTEF party. Following allegations of defamation linked to claims about financial activities in Touba, the group has formally declared him persona non grata in the holy city, including during the upcoming Grand Magal pilgrimage.
The collective’s spokesperson, Mokhtar Bousso, made the announcement on RFM radio, emphasizing that Sonko’s remarks were deeply disrespectful to Touba and its founder, Serigne Touba Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba.
« Anyone who questions Serigne Touba should not set foot in Touba. If he truly respected Serigne Touba and his teachings, he would never have made such statements about the city, » Bousso declared. He further argued that Touba has played a pivotal role in Senegal’s development across economic, social, and spiritual dimensions.
« Everyone knows that Touba has contributed immensely to the country’s progress. Ousmane Sonko must respect Touba and, above all, its founder, » he added.
The spokesperson also criticized Sonko’s claims about the presence of ‘dirty money’ in Touba, calling them incompatible with participation in the Grand Magal. « Accusing Touba of harboring illicit funds is a severe lack of respect toward Serigne Touba. He should not come to Touba for the Magal, even though we know that Serigne Touba’s doors are open to everyone, » Bousso stated.
He urged Sonko to reflect on his actions. « It’s time for Ousmane Sonko to look inward and decide whether he should return to Touba after his remarks. If he believes dirty money is circulating here, he should stay away, » Bousso insisted.
The timing of Sonko’s statements, just days before the Grand Magal, was also deemed highly inappropriate. « Touba is the spiritual heart of Mouridism. Choosing this moment—when all talibés are preparing for the Grand Magal—to make such claims is, in my view, a wish for failure, » Bousso concluded.