Mbour: 10 members of a "leul" arrested after an unauthorized outing of the Kankourang

A joint operation conducted by the Urban Security of the central police station of Mbour, the Mobile Intervention Group (GMI) and the Multipurpose Intervention Brigade (BIP) led to the arrest of ten male individuals, presented as members of cultural cells commonly known as "leul".

According to the information gathered, they allegedly defied the administrative ban by taking the Kankourang out, even though their cell was not among the entities authorized by the prefectural decree of August 28, 2026 regulating and overseeing the Kankourang's outings.

As part of the Mandingo September festivities, the prefect of the Mbour department had restricted outings to only those duly authorized. The relevant officials had also been invited to an information meeting organized by the police to remind them of the provisions of the decree.

Despite this reminder, some cells reportedly continued their planned activities. In response, law enforcement intervened in several of the affected "leuls" (local groups) and arrested those responsible.

Taken to the police station, the accused reportedly admitted to having been informed of the prefectural measure and the prohibition against them leaving the Kankourang.

The operation also allowed law enforcement to discover and seize equipment described as bladed weapons, as well as suspicious items. The seizure included seven machetes, four traditional drums, and an Indian goat horn, all found on one of the suspects.

The ten suspects were taken into custody before being brought before the prosecutor at the High Court of Mbour.

They will have to answer, according to the elements of the procedure, for alleged acts of non-compliance with a prefectural order, participation in a prohibited demonstration, disturbance of public order and possession of bladed weapons.