On Friday, Ousmane Sonko traveled to the sacred city of Touba to extend his heartfelt condolences to the family of Serigne Cheikh Saliou Mbacké, who had passed away the day before. Witnesses described the encounter as deeply moving, with Sonko visibly struggling to contain his emotions throughout the visit.

Standing before the grieving family, the usually composed political leader could barely speak before his voice broke. Tears streamed down his face, a rare display of vulnerability that left many in the room profoundly affected. One attendee later remarked, “I’ve never seen him cry. After everything that happened between 2021 and 2024, he never faltered. Today, his tears speak to the immense void left by this loss.”

The emotional toll of the moment was palpable, but it was not the first time Sonko had expressed his sorrow. Hours after the announcement of Serigne Cheikh Saliou Mbacké’s passing, he shared a public tribute, calling the late religious leader a father, friend, confidant, and guiding light. “In my darkest hours, he stood by me with unwavering compassion, wise counsel, and prayers—both his own and those of thousands of followers across the Daara.”