As the Grand Magal approaches, the President of Senegal’s National Assembly made a customary courtesy visit to Touba to meet with the General Khalife of the Mouride Brotherhood, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké. Leading a high-profile delegation of lawmakers and senior officials from the Pastef party, he underscored the enduring ties between the state and the Mouride community amid ongoing public debates.
Honoring a spiritual and historical icon
Before the patriarch of the Mouride order, Ousmane Sonko paid tribute to the life and contributions of Serigne Touba, the revered founder of the Mouride movement. “Our joy and respect for Serigne Touba are boundless,” he stated, highlighting the spiritual leader’s teachings, personal journey, and dedication. “He stands as a model for anyone aspiring to lead a nation. His vision embodies patriotism and self-reliance—true independence begins with financial and moral sovereignty.” His remarks resonated with themes central to the Pastef movement’s platform.
Lessons from history: self-reliance over foreign debt
Sonko also shared a pivotal moment from the construction of the Great Mosque of Touba. “A close associate recently recounted how Serigne Touba, when offered financial support by a foreign power to build the mosque, declined assistance and instead called on his followers to contribute just 140 francs each,” he recounted. “He believed in the power of collective effort over borrowed funds. Had such wisdom guided our nation’s development, we would not be facing today’s crushing debt burden,” he observed, offering a subtle critique of public finance management.
A call for transparent and participatory governance
Quoting Serigne Cheikh Gaindé Fatma, Sonko emphasized the importance of responsible resource mobilization: “Ask what people can genuinely give, and ensure every franc is accounted for, so no effort goes unnoticed.” The statement reflects his vision for a governance model rooted in citizen participation, fiscal discipline, and transparency.
This visit follows a similar gesture by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who met with the Khalife ahead of the Grand Magal. Serigne Mountakha responded warmly, encouraging Sonko to continue his efforts in promoting peace and national unity.