The recent remarks made by Ousmane Sonko during his visit to Touba have sparked a wave of reactions across Senegal’s political landscape. Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye, the Minister of Terrestrial and Air Transport, has strongly refuted the assertions made by the Pastef leader, who alleged that “stolen funds” were channelled into the holy city.
In a sharply worded statement, Minister Ndiaye condemned the remarks as an affront to the dignity of Touba and its residents. “Reducing Touba to a hub for illicit financial transactions is not just disrespectful—it is a slap in the face to the city’s spiritual legacy and the millions who uphold its values,” he declared.
Touba’s spiritual heritage under scrutiny
According to Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye, Ousmane Sonko’s comments betray a fundamental misunderstanding of Touba’s history and religious significance. “To suggest that its people could be involved in money laundering is not only inaccurate—it is a grave insult to their lifelong commitment to the teachings of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba,” he argued.
He highlighted the deep-rooted principles of the Mouride brotherhood, emphasizing the values of integrity, hard work, and moral uprightness that define the community. “The people of Touba are known for their unwavering faith and ethical conduct. To insinuate otherwise is a gross misrepresentation,” he asserted. The minister also pointed out that the absence of key religious and local leaders during Sonko’s visit sent a clear message of disapproval toward his statements.
A show of support for President Bassirou Diomaye Faye
In his response, Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye took the opportunity to commend President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for his unwavering dedication to Touba. He stressed that the Head of State places immense importance on addressing the concerns of the holy city’s residents. “The President understands the sacred bond between Touba and its people. His administration is actively working to deliver tangible solutions to their challenges,” he noted.
The minister also extended his backing to Prime Minister Mouhamadou Al Amine Lo, praising his efforts under the President’s leadership to expedite the resolution of long-standing administrative issues inherited from previous governments.
Calling for national unity over political strife
Beyond the controversy, Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye urged political figures to prioritize the nation’s collective interests over divisive rhetoric. In his view, Senegal’s progress hinges on cohesion and solidarity—not on partisan clashes. “Our country needs unity now more than ever to tackle pressing economic and social challenges,” he emphasized.
Reaffirming his confidence in President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the minister described the President as a man of unshakable integrity, wholly devoted to the nation’s advancement. “Despite relentless attempts to undermine him, his sole focus remains on serving the Senegalese people and steering our nation toward stability and prosperity,” he concluded.
