Cheikh Thioro Mbacké is a name that resonates in both the political and religious spheres of Senegal. Grandson of Serigne Cheikh Absa Mbacké, younger brother of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, founder of the mouridismHe proudly carries the heritage of the Mbacké family, while asserting himself on the national political scene.
Appointed head of the Pastef departmental list in Mbacké for the November 17, 2024 legislative elections, he now embodies the hope of a change in local political representation. This portrait sheds light on the itinerary of a man whose path is at the crossroads between spirituality and civic commitment, reinforcing his influence both on the religious level and in Senegalese political arenas.
A deep-rooted spiritual heritage in Touba Ndindy
Born in Toubain the locality of Touba Mosquée, more precisely at the famous Ocass market, Cheikh Thioro Mbacké is rooted in the history of the Mbacké family. His direct relationship with Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba gives him a special position in the Mouride order. Residing in Touba Ndindya town founded by Serigne Fallou MbackéThe second Khalifa General of the Mourides, Cheikh Thioro, proudly claims to belong to this prestigious lineage. In an interview with APSTV's "Portrait" program, he declared unequivocally:
"I am Mbacké by father and mother. I can claim to be a Mbacké-Mbacké by birth".
His roots in the Mouride tradition are not insignificant. It gives him undisputed legitimacy within the community, while providing Cheikh Thioro with a deep understanding of the spiritual values that have shaped Senegal. His first steps into politics were thus rooted in a keen understanding of the role that spirituality can play in the management of the city.
A late but decisive political commitment
Cheikh Thioro Mbacké himself admits that he had never considered entering politics:
"I never thought I'd have this fame because I never thought I'd be in politics in my life."
Yet his commitment to politics is no mere coincidence. Far from the clichés of the opportunistic politician, he embodies an ethical vision of public action, where politics is seen as "the art of managing the city well".
In 2017, he chose to join the party PASTEF (Patriotes africains du Sénégal pour le travail, l'éthique et la fraternité), led by Ousmane Sonko. What attracted Cheikh Thioro to this formation was above all the alignment of values. "We saw a leader who embodies ideas and values that suit us.
And that leader created a party that we joined," he explains. In a context where he was perceived as a fervent supporter of the former president Abdoulaye Wademarked a turning point in his political career. He became a key player in the religious city of Toubawhile remaining faithful to the principles of uprightness and ethics that he has always advocated.
À Touba, Cheikh Thioro Mbacké has positioned himself as one of the leaders of PASTEF, a party trying to establish itself in an environment marked by a strong religious tradition. It's not an easy task, as he himself confesses:
"You have to be courageous not to give up because sometimes you get threats and other forms of intimidation".
But far from being discouraged, he draws his inspiration from the example of Sheikh Ahmadou Bambaa model of peaceful resistance.
His determination has enabled him to strengthen the commitment of young Mourides to politics, and more specifically to the ideals of PASTEF.
"I'm delighted that many people in Touba are interested in politics thanks to our commitment," he says proudly.
His closeness to the local population and his sincere commitment to the development of the religious city make him a key player in the region's political landscape.
Although deeply committed to politics, Cheikh Thioro Mbacké has never abandoned his spiritual roots. He considers the founder of Mouridism an inexhaustible source of inspiration. The resistance of Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba in the face of colonial oppression is, for him, an example to follow: "When you take the Sheikh as your role model, you'll never go backwards. This parallel between his own commitment and that of his spiritual ancestor reinforces his legitimacy and credibility within the community.
His attachment to Touba is not limited to politics. Cheikh Thioro has become a spokesman for local concerns, notably access to drinking water.
"If the president Bassirou Diomaye Faye manages to solve the problem of access to drinking water in Touba, I'm convinced that he will succeed in his mission from here and beyond," he stresses.
This plea for the development of local infrastructures bears witness to his concrete commitment to improving the living conditions of the people of Touba.
A strong voice against the excesses of social networking
Cheikh Thioro Mbacké has no hesitation in denouncing the evils that plague Senegalese society, in particular slander and personal attacks on social networks. He calls for firm measures to curb this phenomenon, and invites the President of the Republic to assume his responsibilities. His determination to protect the country's stability and unity is clear:
"I love the stability and unity that currently reign in this country. May this peace continue to reign.
This call for unity, combined with its proximity to the tandem Diomaye-SonkoThis is the image of a man attached to the values of peace and dialogue, while remaining resolutely anchored in modernity. His role as a deputy in the National Assembly today makes him a privileged interlocutor between the State and the religious city, a strategic position he seems to assume with dedication.
Cheikh Thioro Mbacké, a rising star
Cheikh Thioro Mbacké has established himself as a key figure in Senegal's political and religious landscape. Spiritual heir to a tradition dating back to Sheikh Ahmadou BambaIt embodies both the continuity of this heritage and its adaptation to contemporary challenges.
As a political leader, he carries the hopes of many Senegalese who want to see a new generation of ethical and committed leaders emerge. His path, at the crossroads of spirituality and politics, suggests a promising future for this "Mbacké-Mbacké" by birth.
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