September 9, 2026

Ouaga Press

Independent English-language coverage of Burkina Faso's most pressing news and developments.

Legal action against Ousmane Sonko over Touba comments confirmed by investigators

The legal proceedings initiated against Ousmane Sonko following his remarks about the holy city of Touba are moving forward. Serigne Makhtar Bousso, representing the complainants, formally confirmed the maintenance of the lawsuit during his hearing with investigators.

La plainte contre Ousmane Sonko à la Sûreté Urbaine confirmée devant les enquêteurs

A formal petition submitted to the prosecutor

This legal dispute began with a formal petition submitted to the public prosecutor on July 14, 2026. The action was spearheaded by Serigne Modou Maroun Niang and Serigne Mourtalla Bousso, both of whom are grandsons of the revered Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba.

The dispute centers on comments made by the President of the National Assembly during the opening ceremony of the Pastef headquarters in Mbacké. During his speech, Ousmane Sonko reportedly asserted that illicit funds had made their way into the sacred city of Touba.

Defending the integrity of the holy city

The complainants argue that such assertions tarnish the honor and prestige of Touba, a city established by Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba on the pillars of spiritual dedication and moral uprightness. Consequently, they are demanding that the political figure explain the meaning of his statements and present concrete evidence to substantiate them.

During his meeting with the police, Serigne Makhtar Bousso reiterated this stance, emphasizing the necessity of shedding complete light on these allegations targeting the religious metropolis.