Demands for respect and accountability
Speaking on RFM radio, the collective’s spokesperson, Mokhtar Bousso, condemned Sonko’s statements as disrespectful to Touba and its founder, Serigne Touba Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba.
“Anyone who challenges Serigne Touba should never enter Touba,” Bousso declared. “If he truly respected Serigne Touba and his teachings, he would never have made such comments about the city.”
Touba’s contributions to Senegal
Bousso emphasized Touba’s pivotal role in Senegal’s development, spanning economic, human, and moral dimensions. “Everyone knows Touba has always contributed to the nation’s progress. Ousmane Sonko must respect Touba—and especially its founder,” he asserted.
Statements incompatible with the Grand Magal
The spokesperson argued that Sonko’s claims about “dirty money” in Touba undermine the sanctity of the Grand Magal. “To come to Touba and speak of dirty money is to show disrespect to Serigne Touba. He should not attend the Magal, even though we know Serigne Touba’s doors are open to all,” Bousso stated.
He further urged Sonko to reflect on his actions. “Ousmane Sonko must introspect and ask himself whether he should return to Touba after his remarks. If he believes dirty money has flowed into Touba, he should stay away,” Bousso concluded.
The timing of Sonko’s statements, just days before the Grand Magal, drew particular criticism. “Touba is the heart of Mouridism. Choosing this moment—when all talibés are preparing for the Grand Magal—to make such remarks demonstrates a lack of support for the event,” Bousso added.