The legal proceedings were officially launched through a letter dated July 14, 2026, and immediately filed at the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Dakar High Court. Signed by Serigne Modou Maroun Niang and Serigne Mourtalla Bousso, the complaint targets statements allegedly made by the leader of Pastef during the inauguration of his party’s new national headquarters.
The plaintiffs argue that declaring publicly that “dirty money entered the sacred city of Touba” constitutes an attack on the city’s reputation and the integrity of its residents. In their petition, they emphasize that the commune was established by Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba on principles of faith, honesty, and strict religious adherence. This accusation, they contend, is a deliberate attempt to tarnish the city’s spiritual and moral standing.
The collective behind the legal action is demanding swift police investigations, including the questioning of Ousmane Sonko to clarify his remarks and provide tangible evidence. The group has pledged to support the investigation with video recordings, written transcripts, and press clippings. If the probe substantiates the baseless nature of these claims, they are calling for criminal charges under the Senegalese Penal Code for defamation and spreading false information.
This judicial move unfolds against a backdrop of heightened political tensions in the country, where scrutiny over financial flows and political statements concerning the capital of Mouridism remains highly sensitive. The Dakar prosecutor must now determine whether to accept the complaint and proceed with the investigation, an outcome that has already stirred debate within Mouride circles in Touba.
