A collective representing the descendants of Serigne Touba has escalated its opposition to opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, declaring him persona non grata in the holy city of Touba. The group, which filed a defamation complaint following Sonko’s remarks about alleged illicit financial flows in Touba, has made it clear that the PASTEF leader’s presence in the city, including during the upcoming Grand Magal pilgrimage, is no longer acceptable.

Speaking on RFM radio, Mokhtar Bousso, spokesperson for the collective, emphasized that Sonko’s statements amounted to a serious disrespect toward Touba and its revered founder, Serigne Touba Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba. “Anyone who disputes the sanctity of Serigne Touba should never set foot in Touba,” Bousso declared. “If he truly respected Serigne Touba and his teachings, he would never have made such remarks about the city.”

Touba’s role in Senegal’s development under scrutiny

The spokesperson underscored Touba’s pivotal contributions to Senegal’s growth across economic, social, and moral dimensions. “Touba has always been a cornerstone of national development,” he asserted. “Ousmane Sonko owes it to the city—and to its founder—to show proper respect.”

Allegations of illicit funds spark outrage

The collective condemned Sonko’s claim of “dirty money” circulating in Touba, calling it incompatible with the spirit of the Grand Magal. “To come to Touba and speak of dirty money is an affront to Serigne Touba,” Bousso argued. “He should not attend the Magal—not when Serigne Touba’s doors are open to all.”

Bousso went further, urging Sonko to reflect on his actions. “It’s time for introspection. After making such claims, does he believe he still deserves to return to Touba? If he associates Touba with illicit funds, then he should stay away.”

The timing of Sonko’s remarks, just days before the Grand Magal, drew particular criticism. “Touba represents the heart of Mouridism,” Bousso noted. “Choosing this moment—when devotees are preparing for the Magal—to make such statements is, in my view, a deliberate rejection of the event’s success.”