Minister fires back at Sonko over Touba remarks: ‘Profound disrespect to the holy city’

Ousmane Sonko’s recent statements during his visit to Touba have ignited a political firestorm. In a bold response, Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye, Senegal’s Minister of Land and Air Transport, has strongly criticized the leader of Pastef, who alleged that stolen funds were funneled into the sacred city.

The minister, in a public statement, condemned the remarks as damaging to Touba’s reputation and the dignity of its people. “Reducing Touba to a haven for illicit money is a profound lack of respect—toward the holy city, its residents, and the values of Mouridism,” he declared.

Misrepresenting Touba’s spiritual legacy

According to Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye, Sonko’s comments reveal a staggering ignorance of Touba’s deep-rooted history and spiritual purpose. “One must completely misunderstand Touba and its legacy to associate its people with money laundering,” he asserted, emphasizing the city’s role as a beacon of faith under the guidance of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba.

The minister highlighted the unwavering commitment of Touba’s inhabitants to Serigne Touba’s teachings and the Mouride values of integrity, dignity, and hard work. “The people of Touba are known for their moral fiber and devotion. Suggesting they could be bought off is a fundamental misjudgment,” he stressed. He also pointed to the absence of key religious and local leaders during Sonko’s visit as a silent rebuke of his narrative.

Praising national leadership

In his statement, Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye took the opportunity to commend President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for his unwavering support of Touba. He described how the head of state prioritizes the city’s concerns, ensuring tangible solutions reach its people. “The President understands Touba’s significance and works tirelessly to address its needs,” he noted.

The minister also extended his backing to Prime Minister Mouhamadou Al Amine Lo, praising his efforts—under the President’s guidance—to fast-track long-overdue administrative reforms. Beyond the controversy, Ndiaye called for national unity, urging political actors to focus on shared priorities over divisive rhetoric.

Reaffirming his faith in President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, he portrayed the leader as a “man of integrity, deeply devoted to his country and its progress.” Despite relentless criticism, the President remains steadfast in his mission to uplift the nation, the minister concluded.