In a deeply moving display of grief, Ousmane Sonko, President of Senegal’s National Assembly, paid a poignant tribute to Serigne Cheikh Saliou Mbacké during a condolence visit in Touba. The emotional encounter underscored the profound bond between the political leader and the late religious guide, leaving an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.
An encounter etched in sorrow
Ousmane Sonko traveled to Touba last Friday to offer his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Serigne Cheikh Saliou Mbacké, the late Khalife of Serigne Saliou Mbacké, who passed away the previous evening. The visit was shrouded in a palpable sense of loss, as described by attendees who shared their observations.
Upon addressing the gathering of the deceased’s relatives, Sonko’s voice faltered almost immediately. Overcome by grief, he paused, his words dissolving into sobs. Witnesses noted that this was a rare moment—one where the usually composed leader allowed his emotions to surface. “I’ve never seen him cry before,” remarked a close observer. “Despite the hardships he endured between 2021 and 2024, he never wavered. Today, his tears speak volumes about the depth of his loss.”
Earlier that week, upon learning of Serigne Cheikh Saliou Mbacké’s passing on Thursday evening, Sonko had already taken to public platforms to express his sorrow. In a heartfelt tribute, he described the religious leader as more than a mentor—a father, a friend, a confidant, and a guiding light. “He stood by me in my darkest hours,” Sonko reflected. “His compassion, wisdom, and prayers—along with those of thousands of disciples across the Daara communities—were my constant support.”
