In anticipation of the Grand Magal 2025, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye made his traditional pre-Magal visit to Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, the general caliph of the Mourides. This audience, marked by substantial exchanges, allowed the head of state to reaffirm his attachment to religious centers while detailing the concrete measures taken by his government to support the holy city.

President Faye opened the audience with a warm thanks to the Caliph General of the Mourides. "The Head of State thanked Serigne Mountakha Mbacké for his support and advice in private," testifying to the existence of regular exchanges between the two personalities beyond official meetings.

A reaffirmed attachment to religious centers

In his speech, Diomaye Faye expressed "his attachment to religious centers," placing this visit in a broader perspective than simply preparing for the Magal.

Faced with Touba's infrastructure challenges, the president announced concrete measures: "The government will do its best to support you in your mission. Touba is of vital importance. We have given instructions to the Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation."

This specific mention of the hydraulic sector responds to recurring concerns regarding the water supply of the holy city, particularly during the Magal period when the population multiplied by several factors.

The head of state adopted a realistic approach, acknowledging that "certainly, not all problems can be solved overnight, but improvements have been noted this year," demonstrating a gradual but determined approach.

The organization of the Magal is receiving special attention at the highest levels of government. "I have given instructions to ministers and directors general for the smooth running of the Magal," the head of state said.

One of the most significant announcements of this hearing concerned the Touba University project. "We have received your requests for the University of Touba. The government will do its best to support you in this project," the president declared.

Regarding the renovation project of the Great Mosque of Touba, the president adopted a collaborative approach. "Regarding the renovation project of the Great Mosque, I know that the disciples can carry it out, but the state will support you."

A strong emotional bond with Touba

President Faye did not hesitate to express his feelings towards the holy city: "The people of Touba hold us in their hearts and I have enormous respect and admiration for them."

Serigne Mountakha Mbacké reiterates his affection for President Diomaye

The spokesman for the Caliph General, Serigne Bassirou Mbacké Abdou Khadre, responded on behalf of Serigne Mountakha Mbacké with words filled with gratitude and recognition.

"Serigne Mountakha greets you and thanks you on behalf of Touba. The caliph is there for everyone. He reiterates his support for you," testifying to the reciprocity in the relationship between spiritual and temporal power.

The spokesman emphasized the convergence of views between the caliph and the president: "You have ambitions for Touba and Senegal. Serigne Mountakha thanks you for your support regarding the University of Touba."

In a strong symbolic gesture, "Serigne Mountakha first entrusts to you all the people including the disciples", testifying to the exceptional trust placed by the spiritual guide in the President of the Republic.

"Serigne Mountakha thanks you for everything you have done to include the Magal in the national intangible cultural heritage. You were not obliged to make all these efforts to carry out this wish of Touba."