International pilgrimage of Sheikhna Sheikh Mahfouz Aidara: the recommendations for peace and education of the Caliph General

The 50th edition of the International Pilgrimage of Sheikhna Sheikh Mahfouz Aidara took place yesterday, August 31st, in Darousalam Chérif. The official ceremony was marked by a fervent appeal from the General Caliph, Chérif Sheikh Sidaty Sheikh Abba, for peace, education, and living together in harmony, recommendations relayed by his spokesperson, Chérif Sheikh Boun Chamsidine Aidara.

In an atmosphere of religious fervor and brotherhood, the General Caliph offered his condolences to the Muslim community following the passing of the General Caliph of Sheikhna Sheikh Saadbou in Nimzatt, before inviting the faithful to draw inspiration from the model of the Prophet of Islam to remain on the path of salvation in the face of the temptations of Satan.

The Caliph General recalled the legacy of Sheikhna Sheikh Mahfouz (1855-1919), a figure of Sufism, selflessness, and pacification, whose mission of Islamizing and uniting the peoples of West Africa remains a timeless reference. Sharif Sheikh Sidaty Sheikh Abba emphasized the need to teach this history in schools to enlighten younger generations, lamenting that too many young people devote their time to leisure rather than work and learning.

According to spokesman Chérif Cheikh Boun Chamsidine Aidara, the General Khalif urged officials to strengthen education and teaching, recalling that without peace and without education, nothing can be built sustainably.

In his message, he made an urgent appeal for a culture of peace and ongoing dialogue between the government and the opposition, stressing that violence is never a solution but an obstacle to national development. He advocated for the regulation of social media to protect young people.

The ceremony was enhanced by the presence of the Minister of the Armed Forces, Yankhoba Diémé, son of the Khalif, who conveyed the message of President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye and reaffirmed the State's commitment to providing quick solutions to the grievances of the Sharifian family, particularly the Kataba1–Darousalam road.

The Caliph also received a Gambian delegation sent by President Adama Barrow, expressing his gratitude for this gesture of fraternity. He commended the work of the local authorities and technical services mobilized for the success of these days of prayer, particularly congratulating his son, Minister Yankhoba, for his unwavering support.

In a powerful gesture, he asked the President of the Republic to name the Ziguinchor airport after Cheikhna Cheikh Mahfouz Aidara, in order to immortalize his legacy.

The Caliph finally offered prayers for the faithful, for the Presidents of Senegal and Gambia, as well as for the national and international Muslim community.

It should be noted that Professor Ansoumana Diatta and his team from the hospitals of Ziguinchor offered free medical consultations during the Ziarra, a gesture welcomed and thanked by the General Khalif.