In anticipation of the celebration of the Magal of Touba, scheduled for August 13, 2025, the Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARTP) conducted a strategic technical supervision mission in the religious city this Tuesday, August 5. This proactive approach demonstrates the institution's desire to ensure seamless connectivity during this major gathering that mobilizes millions of worshippers.

A major technical mission

The primary objective of the field visit orchestrated by ARTP was to assess the systems deployed by telecommunications operators. The objective: to ensure the coverage, quality, and availability of services during this period of exceptional activity.

ARTP's technical teams conducted a real field audit, visiting SONATEL headquarters, the YAS technical center in Mbacké, and the EXPRESSO technical site in Janatou Mahwa. These meetings provided a comprehensive overview of the measures adopted by each operator to strengthen network capacities.

The crucial issue of data

Particular emphasis was placed on data services, the consumption of which increases exponentially during the Magal. This surge in demand is explained by the widespread use of social media, video streaming, and messaging apps by pilgrims who wish to share their spiritual experience in real time.

This reality requires operators to constantly adapt their infrastructures to respond to traffic peaks which can reach several times the usual volumes.

Road connectivity, a major challenge

The ARTP mission also paid specific attention to the coverage of strategic road axes. The ILA TOUBA Highway and the national roads that converge on the religious city constitute vital arteries where connectivity must remain fluid and continuous.

This concern responds to a concrete need: to ensure that millions of pilgrims traveling to Touba can stay connected, whether for reasons of security, family coordination or spiritual sharing.

A symbolic audience with the General Caliph

On the sidelines of this technical mission, the Director General of ARTP, Dahirou Thiam, was received in audience by the General Khalifa of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké. This meeting has both a ceremonial and spiritual dimension.

During this audience, the head of ARTP presented all the actions undertaken by his institution to ensure the smooth running of the Magal in terms of telecommunications. He also requested the prayers and blessings of the religious leader for a celebration that takes place in peace and security.

A technological and human gamble

This mobilization by the ARTP illustrates the magnitude of the challenge that the Magal represents for the country's telecommunications infrastructure. Beyond the purely technical aspects, this approach reflects a deep understanding of the importance of this religious event in Senegalese society.

The challenge goes beyond a purely technical issue: it's about enabling each pilgrim to fully experience their spiritual life while maintaining their connection to the outside world. In an era where digital connectivity is an integral part of everyday life, ensuring the continuity of services is becoming a social and religious imperative.

This ARTP initiative is part of a broader approach to modernizing and adapting public services to contemporary realities, while respecting the traditions and spiritual values that underpin events like the Magal of Touba.