Sonko praises Serigne Touba’s legacy ahead of Grand Magal in Touba

Sonko’s Courtesy Visit to the Mouride Spiritual Leader

With the Grand Magal festivities approaching, the President of the National Assembly embarked on a customary courtesy visit to Touba. He was received by the General Khalife of the Mouride brotherhood, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, leading a high-profile delegation that included deputies and key members of Pastef. The visit underscored the enduring ties between the State and the Mouride community, particularly amid recent public debates.

The leader of the National Assembly took the opportunity to pay homage to the memory and contributions of Serigne Touba, the revered founder of the Mouride order. « Our joy and admiration for Serigne Touba are boundless, » he stated. « His teachings, life journey, and principles serve as a guiding light for anyone aspiring to lead a nation. His model embodies patriotism and sovereignty—true freedom begins with independence. » These remarks resonated strongly with the core values championed by Pastef.

Lessons from the Construction of the Grand Mosque of Touba

Ousmane Sonko also highlighted a pivotal moment in the history of the Grand Mosque of Touba. « A close associate recently shared a powerful anecdote with me, » he recounted. « When Serigne Touba sought to fund the mosque’s construction, he asked his disciples to contribute just 140 francs each. At the time, he was aware that colonial powers offered to finance the entire project. Yet, he declined their offer outright. » He continued, « The journey from a humble beginning to the grandeur of Touba today is a testament to self-reliance. Had we embraced Serigne Touba’s principles, we would not be burdened by today’s staggering national debt—a clear critique of public financial mismanagement. »

Emphasizing the importance of transparency and collective effort, he quoted Serigne Cheikh Gaindé Fatma: « Ask what people can genuinely contribute, and invest their contributions openly so that no one remains in the dark. » This statement encapsulates his vision for governance rooted in citizen participation and accountability.

A Tradition of Leadership Ahead of the Grand Magal

This visit follows a similar tradition observed days earlier when President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was also received by the Khalife ahead of the Grand Magal. Serigne Mountakha expressed his approval, urging Sonko to continue his commitment to national peace and unity.