The descendants’ collective of Serigne Touba has escalated its stance against PASTEF leader Ousmane Sonko, declaring him persona non grata in the holy city of Touba. This move follows a defamation complaint filed in response to Sonko’s remarks alleging the circulation of ‘dirty money’ in Touba.
At the heart of the dispute lies a deep-seated conviction among the collective’s members: no individual who disrespects Serigne Touba Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba—founder of the Mouride brotherhood—and his teachings should ever set foot in Touba, let alone during the upcoming Grand Magal pilgrimage.
The collective’s spokesperson, Mokhtar Bousso, addressed these concerns on national radio, emphasizing that Sonko’s statements constitute an affront to both Touba and its spiritual legacy. ‘Anyone who questions Serigne Touba must never enter Touba,’ Bousso declared. ‘If he truly respected Serigne Touba and his teachings, he would never have uttered such words about the city.’
Touba’s enduring legacy under scrutiny
Bousso underscored Touba’s pivotal role in Senegal’s development, highlighting its contributions across economic, social, and moral spheres. ‘Touba has been a cornerstone of the nation’s progress,’ he asserted. ‘Ousmane Sonko owes it to Touba—and to Serigne Touba—to show respect, not defamation.’
He further criticized Sonko’s timing, noting that the allegations came at a critical juncture just days before the Grand Magal—a period when the city is preparing to welcome thousands of pilgrims. ‘To make such claims now, when all talibés are focused on the Grand Magal, is to undermine its success,’ Bousso argued.
He went on to question Sonko’s intentions, urging him to reflect on whether his presence in Touba remains justified. ‘Sonko must ask himself: after these remarks, should he even set foot in Touba again? If he believes dirty money flows in Touba, he has no business returning,’ he insisted.
Defamation complaint and broader implications
The collective’s decision to declare Sonko persona non grata reflects a broader sentiment within Touba’s religious community. By framing Sonko’s statements as a deliberate insult to Serigne Touba’s legacy, the collective has positioned the issue not just as a political dispute but as a moral and spiritual challenge.
As the Grand Magal approaches, tensions are rising, with many in Touba viewing Sonko’s remarks as an attack on the city’s identity. The collective’s actions signal a firm stance: Touba’s sanctity will not be compromised, and those who disrespect it will face consequences.
