In an exclusive statement to Seneweb, the Khalifa General of the late Cheikh Béthio Thioune denounces state interference in organizing the April 17th commemoration. He challenges the sub-prefect of Sindia’s statements and points fingers at members of the ruling party.
SINDIA — The postponement of the Local Development Committee (CLD) preparatory to the April 17th commemoration has sparked intense controversy. Following public statements by the sub-prefect of Sindia regretting the absence of Serigne Saliou Thioune “Ndigueul’s” representatives, the Khalifa General of the late Cheikh Béthio Thioune issued a clarification to Seneweb to set the record straight.
A Broken Tradition Under the New Regime
The April 17th commemoration marks the historic 1946 meeting between Cheikh Béthio Thioune and Serigne Saliou Mbacké. Until 2024, the state annually organized a single CLD through the Sindia sub-prefecture, a practice established under the regimes of Abdoulaye Wade and Macky Sall.
“What happened goes back to last year. Every year, the state organized a Local Development Committee. This dates back to my father’s time. We did it under Wade and under Macky Sall,” recalls Serigne Saliou Thioune.
According to him, a break occurred with the arrival of the new regime. In 2025, two separate CLDs were allegedly organized: one with his family branch, the other, without his knowledge, with a rival faction. “To my great surprise, I learned they organized another CLD with the other part of the family. Had I been informed, I would have adopted the same attitude as this year,” he states.
“The State is Meddling in Family Affairs”
The religious leader firmly denounces what he considers state interference in family matters. “The family of Cheikh Béthio Thioune is one and indivisible. I am surprised to see a state meddle in family problems, especially concerning a religious family,” he asserts.
He adds: “The role of a state should be limited to bringing together, to uniting a divided family. That’s where I expected the state to be.”
Fruitless Efforts with Authorities
To prevent a recurrence of the situation, Serigne Saliou Thioune claims to have sent a letter to the Governor of Thiès requesting the organization of a Regional Development Committee (CRD). Receiving no response, he turned directly to the Interior Minister, who allegedly promised to intervene.
Two hours later, the governor allegedly contacted the Khalifa to inform him that a CRD would not be possible due to the president’s busy schedule in Thiès on April 4th. Serigne Saliou Thioune says he accepted this, while setting his conditions: “Tell the minister that last year, we had two CLD ceremonies, which I cannot accept. If you plan to do two again this year, I will not participate. I’m not here to be made a fool of.”
Sub-Prefect Accused of Lying
Addressing the sub-prefect of Sindia’s statements, who claimed to be surprised by his absence, Serigne Saliou Thioune is categorical: “He did not tell the truth. He should have said he had been informed of my absence. He preferred to say he was waiting for me, thus misleading public opinion.”
The Khalifa claims to have notified the local authority by phone the day before, specifying that his absence was not a last-minute withdrawal but a matter of principle.
Pastef in the Crosshairs
Serigne Saliou Thioune also points fingers at associates of the ruling party, Pastef. “I explained to the Interior Minister what is currently happening under the influence of certain figures close to Pastef. He replied that this was not normal and that it would be resolved. Unfortunately, he did not keep his word,” he denounces.
A Direct Appeal to President Diomaye Faye
In conclusion, the Khalifa makes a direct appeal to the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, whom he believes is being kept in the dark about these “machinations.”
“I don’t think the President is aware of these machinations. Since last year, certain Pastef associates have been scheming with the administration to allow this part of the family to act this way,” he accuses.
A message that illustrates the persistent tensions between certain religious authorities and the new government, in a context where the management of religious commemorations remains a sensitive political issue in Senegal.
Seneweb
