A collective representing the descendants of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba—founder of the Mouride brotherhood—has escalated its confrontation with opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Following a defamation complaint filed in response to his remarks about alleged illicit financial flows in Touba, the group has now declared Sonko persona non grata in the holy city, including during the upcoming Grand Magal pilgrimage.

The spokesperson for the collective, Mokhtar Bousso, emphasized that Sonko’s comments represent a grave disrespect to Touba and its spiritual legacy. “Anyone who questions Serigne Touba’s authority cannot set foot in Touba,” he stated during an interview on RFM. “If he truly revered Serigne Touba and his teachings, these statements would never have been made.”

Bousso highlighted Touba’s pivotal contributions to Senegal’s growth—economically, socially, and morally. “Touba has always been a cornerstone of this nation’s progress. Sonko must respect its sanctity and honor its founder,” he insisted. The collective argues that such respect is non-negotiable, especially amid accusations of corruption linked to the city.

The timing of Sonko’s statements has also sparked outrage, coming just before the Grand Magal, Touba’s most sacred annual event. “To raise allegations of dirty money during this spiritual gathering is an affront to Serigne Touba’s legacy,” Bousso declared. “He has no place in Touba—not now, not during the Magal.”

The collective’s stance reflects deep frustration, with Bousso urging Sonko to reflect on his actions. “He must ask himself whether he deserves to return to Touba after his words. If he believes illicit funds have been funneled into the city, his presence there is unwarranted,” he concluded.