Legal action launched over Ousmane Sonko’s remarks on dirty money in Touba

An official complaint has been lodged with the Dakar prosecutor’s office following remarks attributed to opposition leader Ousmane Sonko regarding the alleged influx of ‘dirty money’ into Touba, Senegal’s revered holy city.

The legal filing, dated 14 July 2026 and addressed to the Prosecutor of the High Court of Dakar, was submitted by the Collectif des petits-fils de Serigne Touba. The document bears a prosecutor’s office receipt stamp dated 15 July 2026, confirming its official registration.

The complaint is endorsed by Serigne Modou Maroun Niang and Serigne Mourtalla Bousso, who argue that Sonko’s statements risk tarnishing the reputation of Touba and its residents. They emphasize that the city, founded by Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, is built on principles of spiritual integrity, moral probity, and unwavering adherence to Islamic teachings.

allegations of reputational harm

The complainants contend that Sonko’s words could undermine public trust in Touba’s moral and spiritual standing. They highlight that the allegations, if unchallenged, may cast unjustified suspicion over the city’s long-standing values of honesty, justice, and devotion.

In their petition, the group requests that the prosecutor initiate an immediate investigation to clarify the context, accuracy, and implications of Sonko’s remarks. They specifically call for his formal hearing to provide further details and substantiate his claims.

demanding accountability

The Collectif urges a thorough inquiry to verify whether Sonko’s statements constitute legal violations, including potential defamation or dissemination of false information under Senegalese law. While no formal charges have been brought yet, the complainants insist that legal action may be warranted if evidence supports their concerns.

As part of their submission, the group asserts they possess compelling evidence, including video recordings of the statements, transcripts, media publications, and other relevant documents to substantiate their case.