The recent remarks made by Ousmane Sonko during his visit to Touba continue to provoke strong reactions across the political landscape. Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye, the Minister of Land and Air Transport, has publicly condemned the Pastef leader’s assertion that “stolen money” was funneled into the revered holy city.
In a formal statement, Minister Ndiaye emphasized that such allegations significantly tarnish the reputation of Touba and its inhabitants. He declared, “To equate Touba with a hub for receiving illicit funds demonstrates a profound disrespect for the holy city, its people, and the fundamental tenets of Mouridism.”
“a profound misunderstanding of touba’s spiritual legacy”
For Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye, Ousmane Sonko’s statements reveal a deep-seated ignorance regarding Touba’s rich history and its spiritual purpose. The minister asserted, “One must be profoundly unfamiliar with Touba and its spiritual heritage to suggest its population would be complicit in handling stolen money.”
He underscored that the residents of the sacred city are renowned for their unwavering commitment to the teachings of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba and the core values of dignity, hard work, and integrity that define Mouridism. “Touba’s inhabitants are celebrated for their dignity and devotion to Serigne Touba’s principles. To imply they could be swayed by money is a grave misjudgment,” Ndiaye insisted. The minister also suggested that the noticeable absence of key religious and local authorities during Ousmane Sonko’s visit served as a clear indicator of disapproval towards his approach.
Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye used this opportunity to laud President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s steadfast commitment to Touba. According to Ndiaye, the head of state prioritizes the concerns of the holy city’s population. “The President understands the profound value of Touba and its people. He works tirelessly each day to provide concrete solutions to their needs,” he affirmed. The minister also voiced his support for Prime Minister Mouhamadou Al Amine Lo, acknowledging his efforts, under the President’s leadership, to expedite the resolution of numerous issues inherited from previous administrations.
Beyond the immediate controversy, Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye urged political stakeholders to prioritize national interests over divisive confrontations. He maintained that Senegal requires greater cohesion and unity to effectively address its economic and social challenges. Reaffirming his confidence in Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ndiaye characterized the head of state as “a man of integrity, deeply patriotic, and entirely dedicated to serving the Nation.” He concluded, “His sole focus is Senegal. Despite ongoing attacks and attempts to discredit him, he remains concentrated on his mission: to fulfill the aspirations of the Senegalese people and guide the nation towards progress and emergence.”
