Sonko honours Serigne Touba’s legacy at Grand Magal reception

With the Grand Magal celebrations just around the corner, the President of the 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 legislators and Pastef officials, he underscored the enduring bond between the State and the Mouride community amid a backdrop of recent controversies.

Standing before the spiritual leader, Ousmane Sonko paid tribute to the life and legacy of Serigne Touba, the revered founder of the Mouride order. « Our joy and respect for Serigne Touba are boundless, » he stated, emphasizing the guiding principles of the late scholar’s teachings and his unwavering commitment to national sovereignty. « His journey serves as a model for any leader aspiring to govern with integrity. True freedom begins with true independence, » Sonko remarked, echoing themes central to his political movement’s philosophy.

Serigne Touba’s vision of self-reliance

In his address, the National Assembly leader recounted a pivotal moment in the history of the Great Mosque of Touba. « A close confidant recently shared that Serigne Touba had requested disciples contribute just 140 francs each to fund the mosque’s construction, » he explained. « At the time, European powers offered to build it themselves, yet he declined their assistance. » He continued, « The ascent of Touba to its current stature proves that self-sufficiency yields far greater rewards than foreign debt. » His words subtly critiqued the nation’s fiscal policies.

Call for transparent governance

Quoting Serigne Cheikh Gaindé Fatma, Sonko emphasized a principle of responsible leadership: « Assess what your people can give, invest transparently, and ensure no one is left uninformed. » This statement encapsulated his vision of governance rooted in citizen participation and fiscal accountability.

This visit follows a similar tradition upheld days earlier by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who was also received by the Khalife ahead of the Grand Magal. Serigne Mountakha conveyed his approval, urging Sonko to continue championing national unity and peace.