The spokesperson for Medina Baye, Sheikh Mahi Aliou Cissé, called on state authorities this Saturday, to facilitate the travel of pilgrims from abroad, especially from neighbouring countries, to allow them to participate in the International Gamou of Medina Baye, which commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. The religious leader made this announcement during his traditional press conference, which marks the official launch of activities for the International Mawlid of Medina Baye, scheduled for the night of Tuesday, 25th August. In his traditional statement, Sheikh Mahi also emphasised the importance of the gamou, which is a time of communion and gathering, allowing the faithful to strengthen the bonds of love, brotherhood, solidarity, mutual support, and harmony. In conclusion, he invited the disciples to take this opportunity to strengthen their faith and devotion, and the people of Medina Baye and surrounding areas to give a dignified welcome to the guests who will take part in the gamou.
Teargas used to bring order to Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s party meeting in Mbacké
The headquarters of the President Diomaye Faye’s party, Kiiraay – The Republican Patriots, in Mbacké, was the scene of violence and insults exchanged between supporters on Saturday. At the root of this tension was a disagreement over the party’s coordination in Touba. Members of the new party, including Modou Sall Nay Rér, Moussa Mbaye, and others close to Minister Abdou Lahad Ndiaye, are contesting the appointment of Mamadou Abib Diop, Director General of the African Refining Company (SAR), as the party’s coordinator in the Mouride capital. The meeting degenerated into altercations between the various participants and acts of vandalism were reported inside the premises. Faced with rising tension, tear gas was reportedly used to disperse the participants and restore calm to the room.
Amnesty head says political leaders can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to corruption
For Seydi Gassama, Executive Director of Amnesty International Senegal, the fight against corruption is no longer an option, but a vital requirement of public action. Faced with the high expectations of the population, the renowned human rights defender believes that political leaders can no longer afford to turn a blind eye. In a recent statement, he strongly criticised the inaction of certain leaders in the face of this scourge. “One would have to be politically blind not to understand the people’s concerns regarding the corruption of the country’s political, administrative, and economic elites,” he asserted.
Gassama issued an unequivocal warning to those who refuse to confront corruption head-on: “Any politician who fails to commit to firmly fighting corruption is heading straight for disaster.” According to him, Senegalese citizens now demand concrete and irreversible commitments to transparency and good governance. At the heart of this integrity framework, he emphasised the crucial importance of asset declarations. In his view, this mechanism loses all its substance if it is not applied with the utmost rigour. “An asset declaration is only meaningful if it is made upon assuming and leaving office, and if it is made public,” he asserted.