The descendants of Serigne Touba have escalated their stance against PASTEF leader Ousmane Sonko. Following a defamation complaint filed in response to his remarks about alleged ‘dirty money’ circulating in Touba, the group declared the opposition figure persona non grata in the holy city—even barring his attendance during the upcoming Grand Magal pilgrimage.

Uncompromising stance after disputed remarks

Mokhtar Bousso, spokesperson for the collective, addressed the media on RFM radio, condemning Sonko’s statements as a blatant disrespect toward Touba and its revered founder, Serigne Touba Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba. ‘Anyone who questions Serigne Touba’s legacy must never set foot in Touba,’ Bousso asserted. ‘If he truly respected Serigne Touba and his teachings, he would never have made such remarks about the city.’

A city of spiritual and national significance

The collective emphasized Touba’s pivotal role in Senegal’s development—economically, socially, and spiritually. ‘Touba has always been a cornerstone of progress in Senegal,’ Bousso stated. ‘Sonko must honor this legacy and respect the founder of the Mouride brotherhood.’

The spokesperson also criticized Sonko’s timing, suggesting his comments about ‘dirty money’ in Touba were deliberately provocative just days before the Grand Magal—a sacred event that draws thousands of pilgrims. ‘Touba is the heart of Mouridism,’ he said. ‘To make such claims during this sacred time shows a deliberate disregard for the Magal’s success.’

Demands for accountability

Bousso went further, urging Sonko to reflect on his actions. ‘It’s time for Ousmane Sonko to ask himself whether he deserves to return to Touba after these remarks,’ he said. ‘If he believes dirty money has been laundered there, he has no place in the city.’

The collective’s latest move follows their legal complaint and underscores growing tensions between political figures and Senegal’s religious communities.