Press releases - 2026 July 26
The President of the Republic, His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye, paid a visit today to the Khalife General of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Bassirou MBACKÉ, in the holy city of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, just days before the Grand Magal of Touba.
The Head of State sought the Khalife's prayers for Senegal, its stability and its youth, and paid tribute to the memory of Serigne Cheikh Saliou MBACKÉ.
The President of the Republic then briefed the Khalife General on the measures taken by the State to ensure the proper reception of pilgrims, including the supply of drinking water, sanitation and rainwater drainage, healthcare coverage, energy supply and security. He stated that the commitments made had been fulfilled and that the remaining interventions would be completed before the day of the Magal.
Celebrated this year during the rainy season, the 2026 edition is benefiting from enhanced preventive measures, with emergency, healthcare and security teams being deployed in advance of the arrival of the first pilgrims.
The Head of State reaffirmed the State's commitment to the sustainable development of the holy city, beyond the annual organization of the pilgrimage.
Following the meeting, the President of the Republic proceeded to the Great Mosque of Touba, where he paid his respects at the mausoleum of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, Khadimou Rassoul, and offered prayers for Senegal and for the success of the Grand Magal.