Serigne Bassirou Abdou Khadre clarifies role in diplomatic passport requests

Serigne Bassirou Abdou Khadre, spokesperson for the Mouride Caliph Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, has clarified his role regarding requests for diplomatic passports in Senegal. He stated that obtaining these documents for individuals is not part of his official duties as a liaison between the state and the Caliph.

Khadre explained that the Caliph requested President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to grant concessions to certain religious leaders. These requests are intended to facilitate travel for medical treatment abroad or to visit disciples. While diplomatic passports are traditionally reserved for official functions, Khadre noted that previous Senegalese heads of state have granted them to religious figures as a gesture of favor.

President Faye has reportedly indicated that he validates requests submitted within this specific framework. This clarification follows public debate in Senegal regarding the eligibility and management of diplomatic passports.