As Senegal prepares for the annual Grand Magal pilgrimage, Assembly President Ousmane Sonko paid a formal courtesy visit to Touba to meet with the General Khalife of the Mouride Brotherhood, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké. Arriving with a high-level delegation of deputies and Pastef party officials, Sonko emphasized the enduring ties between the state and the Mouride community amid recent public debates.

The visit took place in a context where national discourse has increasingly questioned governance and economic strategies. Sonko used the opportunity to honor the legacy of Serigne Touba, the founder of Mouridism, whose life and teachings continue to shape Senegalese society.

Honoring a national icon

Standing before the spiritual leader, Sonko expressed deep respect for Serigne Touba’s contributions: “Our joy and esteem for Serigne Touba are immeasurable. His life, teachings, and journey serve as an example for anyone aspiring to lead a nation. His model promotes patriotism, sovereignty, and the principle that true freedom requires independence.”

He highlighted how Serigne Touba’s leadership embodied self-reliance—a value Sonko says is crucial for modern governance. The Assembly President recalled a pivotal moment in the construction of the Great Mosque of Touba when the religious leader rejected foreign assistance in favor of communal contribution. “A friend recently shared that Serigne Touba asked followers to contribute just 140 francs toward building the mosque. He refused an offer from foreigners who proposed to fund the entire project,” Sonko recounted. “The path Touba has traveled shows what Senegal could achieve if we followed his example—without drowning in debt.”

Lessons in governance and transparency

Sonko concluded his remarks by quoting Serigne Cheikh Gaindé Fatma: “Ask people what they can give, and invest transparently so no one is left in the dark.” This statement reflects his vision of a governance model rooted in citizen participation and accountability.

The visit follows a similar gesture by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who also met with the Khalife ahead of the Grand Magal. In response, Serigne Mountakha conveyed his satisfaction, urging Sonko to continue prioritizing national unity and peace.