The Association of Descendants of Serigne Touba has submitted a formal complaint against Ousmane Sonko at the High Court of Dakar. Registered under case number 12562, the complaint stems from statements made by the leader of the PASTEF party during the inauguration of his party’s headquarters last weekend. Sonko reportedly claimed that “dirty money has entered the holy city of Touba.”

Speaking through representatives Serigne Modou Maroun Niang and Serigne Mourtalla Bousso, the collective argues that these remarks infringe upon the honor, reputation, and dignity of Touba and its inhabitants. They emphasize that the religious city, founded by Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, is built on principles of faith, integrity, honesty, and justice.

The association contends that Sonko’s statements cast unwarranted doubt on the moral and spiritual integrity of Touba, damaging its standing as a symbol of purity. They have urged the prosecutor to launch a formal investigation to assess the validity of the claims and their potential legal implications. The complaint specifically requests that Sonko be summoned to clarify his remarks and provide any supporting evidence.

The complainants are seeking a comprehensive inquiry and, if justified, the initiation of legal proceedings for defamation, dissemination of false information, or other relevant offenses under Senegalese law.