Touba religious leaders call for state action against crime and animal abuse

The General Khalife of the Mourides, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké, has issued a formal call through his spokesperson, Serigne Bassirou Mbacké Abdou Khadre, for state authorities to intervene in rising security and sanitation issues in the holy city of Touba.

A primary concern is the practice of organized cart races where horses and donkeys are allegedly drugged to increase speed. These events are reported to cause frequent accidents, violent brawls involving knives, and significant animal cruelty. The religious leadership is urging the administration and local mayor to implement long-term measures rather than temporary fixes.

Additionally, the Khalife highlighted a rise in urban delinquency, including robberies and physical assaults. The spokesperson also denounced the illegal dumping of septic tank waste into public streets, describing it as a threat to public health and the environment. Authorities, including the police and gendarmerie, have been called upon to collaborate with religious leaders to restore order and cleanliness in the city.