Legal action launched against Ousmane Sonko over touba remarks

Legal complaint filed against Senegal’s National Assembly leader

A formal legal complaint has been lodged with the Public Prosecutor at the Dakar High Court against Ousmane Sonko, current President of the National Assembly and leader of the PASTEF party. The complaint was submitted by a group representing the descendants of Serigne Touba, founder of the holy city of Touba.

The legal action follows controversial statements made by Sonko during the inauguration of his party’s headquarters. According to the complainants, he alleged that “dirty money entered Touba,” a claim they describe as damaging to the city’s sacred reputation and the dignity of its residents.

Demands for clarification and investigation

The complainants, identifying themselves as Senegalese citizens, young intellectuals, business operators, and grandchildren of Serigne Touba, assert that Sonko’s remarks constitute an attack on the honor, reputation, and image of the holy city and its people.

In their filing, they formally request the Public Prosecutor to:

• Initiate a formal investigation into the allegations
• Summon Ousmane Sonko for clarification on his statements
• Require him to present evidence supporting his claims
• Conduct all necessary inquiries to determine the factual basis of his remarks

The legal team argues that Sonko’s words have caused significant distress to the community and seeks to establish whether his claims have any factual foundation.