On Friday, Ousmane Sonko traveled to Touba to offer his condolences to the family of Serigne Cheikh Saliou Mbacké, the late khalife of Serigne Saliou Mbacké, who had passed away the previous evening. Witnesses described the visit as an intensely emotional experience.

Upon addressing the gathered mourners, Sonko struggled to contain his sorrow, barely uttering a few words before succumbing to tears. Those present interpreted his reaction as a testament to the deep connection between the two men. “I’ve never seen him cry before,” shared a witness. “He’s endured so much between 2021 and 2024, yet he remained steadfast. Today, his tears speak volumes about the immense loss he feels.”

Earlier, upon learning of the religious leader’s passing on Thursday evening, Sonko had publicly expressed his sorrow. In a heartfelt tribute, he described Serigne Cheikh Saliou Mbacké as a pillar of support in his life. “A father, a friend, a confidant, and a guiding light has left us,” he wrote. “He stood by me in my darkest moments, offering compassion, wisdom, and prayers—not just his own, but those of thousands of disciples across the Daara communities.”