Sonko meets Dakar archbishop ahead of Popenguine 2026 pilgrimage

With the 138th edition of the Popenguine Marian pilgrimage just around the corner, Senegal‘s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko paid a courtesy visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories in Dakar.

Warm hospitality and institutional respect defined the meeting between the head of government and Monseigneur André Guèye, the Archbishop of Dakar.

Ousmane Sonko was accompanied by government spokesperson Marie Rose Faye and Member of Parliament Béatrice Germaine Faye. The discussions centered on social harmony, national cohesion, and interfaith dialogue—key themes as the country prepares for the major religious gathering in Popenguine.

The Prime Minister reiterated the state’s commitment to the values of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and unity that define Senegal’s model of communal living. He also praised the essential role of religious leaders in maintaining social stability and national unity.

For his part, Monseigneur André Guèye expressed his satisfaction with the visit and offered prayers for national peace, unity, and the success of ongoing development initiatives.

This encounter comes at a time of growing anticipation ahead of the Popenguine Marian pilgrimage, widely regarded as one of the most significant religious events in Senegal.