Legal complaint against Ousmane Sonko over Touba comments officially upheld

The legal case against Ousmane Sonko regarding his controversial remarks about the holy city of Touba has moved forward. During an official hearing on Tuesday, Serigne Makhtar Bousso, representing the complainants, formally confirmed that the legal action is being maintained before investigators at the Sûreté Urbaine.

This legal battle stems from a formal petition submitted to the public prosecutor on July 14, 2026, by Serigne Modou Maroun Niang and Serigne Mourtalla Bousso. Both individuals, who are direct descendants of the revered Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, took issue with statements made by the President of the National Assembly during the opening of the Pastef headquarters in Mbacké. Ousmane Sonko is accused of alleging that illicit funds had made their way into the sacred city of Touba.

Demands for accountability and transparency

For the complainants, such assertions directly threaten the integrity, honor, and spiritual reputation of Touba, a city established by Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba on strict principles of faith and moral uprightness. Consequently, they are demanding that the political leader clarify his declarations and present concrete evidence to back up his claims. Serigne Makhtar Bousso reiterated this stance, insisting that full transparency is required to resolve this matter and protect the sanctity of the religious metropolis.