“There are men who transcend time, and others who shape it. On this December 28th, Senegal remembers the man who was, for millions of souls, far more than a guide: a refuge. Serigne Saliou Mbacké, the fifth Caliph of Cheikhoul Khadim, left us physically eighteen years ago, but his imprint on our hearts and on the land of this country remains indelible.” This testimony comes from the former mayor of Thiès, Talla Sylla, a devoted Mouride disciple to the core.

“The Eternal Recourse: Tribute to Serigne Saliou Mbacké.” is the title of the tribute that the leader of Jëf Jël wanted to pay to the man of God.

“"Seriñ Salihu sang ba ca baatin ba ak leer yu Yaatu ya"...

Master of spiritual mysteries and infinite light. His stature transcended ordinary understanding. He embodied that rare Sufi alchemy where immense compassion (yërmandé) never dilutes the rigor of principles. As the poem I dedicate to him says: "Yiiw ga ak seddaay ba téré wul fulla ja." His holiness and gentleness did not diminish his firmness. A firmness necessary to bear the heavy and sacred legacy of Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba.

Faithful to the path laid out by the Founder, Serigne Saliou magnified the Mouride philosophy that inextricably links Faith and Work. An exceptional farmer, he brought forth from the arid land of Khelcom not only abundant harvests, but above all, a generation of men and women educated through hard work. A tireless builder of mosques and Daaras (Koranic schools), he taught by example that work, when devoted to God, becomes the highest form of prayer.

He majestically followed in the footsteps of his illustrious predecessors. He possessed the vision of Serigne Modou Moustapha, the charisma of Serigne Fallou, the rigor of Serigne Abdoul Ahad, and the piety of Serigne Abdou Khadre. He was the convergence of all these lights, the "Donn Lahad ak Jiily ca Bamba Ja," the ultimate heir in the service of Islam.

For me, this tribute has an intimate and visceral dimension. I had the immense privilege of benefiting from his protective mantle from January 2000. But it was in the darkest hours of my existence that I measured the power of his blessing.

When, in 2003 and again in 2007, I was bedridden, battered by the aftermath of an assassination attempt, her prayers were both a balm and a fortress. It was under her benevolent shadow that I found the strength to survive and rise again.

I will never forget that he blessed our Doxu Safar, this devotional walk linking Thiès to Touba. By this gesture, he validated our journey of faith and endurance, reminding us that each step towards Touba is an ascent towards God.

Today, as the world changes and our bearings falter, his figure remains our compass. He is that "Suturay jamono," the protective veil of our time, the light for those seeking their way in the darkness.

On this day of remembrance, we reiterate our love and eternal gratitude.

"CĒY SERIÑ SALIHU NAMM NANULA... Ô Serigne Saliou, we miss you."