On the eve of the Magal of Darou Salam celebrated this Thursday, May 7, Serigne Hamidoune Mbacké, son of Sidy Mbacké ibn Serigne Modou Mamoune of Mame Cheikh Anta, organised a preparatory panel on Wednesday on the theme "Youth facing the changes of the world: between opportunities and loss of bearings."

The meeting, moderated by Serigne Abdou Khadr Ba, brought together as panelists Babacar Mboup, MP Pape Djibril Fall and Serigne Mame Mor Amdy.

Speaking in his capacity as initiator, Serigne Hamidoune Mbacké justified the choice of this theme by the current context. "We are living in a context deeply marked by a crisis of values. Whoever speaks of a spiritual crisis is also speaking of a social crisis as well as a political and economic crisis," he declared.

He noted that Senegal is one of the youngest countries in Africa, with more than 75% of its population under the age of 35, stressing that "this youth should be seen as a strength and not as a weakness or a handicap."

The panel's initiator also highlighted the figure of Mame Cheikh Anta Mbacké as a role model for young people. "Mame Cheikh Anta was bequeathed to the city of Darou Salam when he was only 18 years old, meaning he was entrusted with responsibility by Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba who gave him the title of Cheikh," he recalled, adding that in 1919 he became the wealthiest man in Senegal thanks to his investments in trade, agriculture and real estate, and that "all his wealth was put at the service of the community, but also of Islam and of Senegal."

MP Pape Djibril Fall paid a heartfelt tribute to the organizer before sharing his vision on youth. "Is this demographic dividend a major asset? Should this youth be seen as a burden or as an opportunity? We believe, and this is our strongest conviction, that this youth represents an invaluable opportunity for Senegal," he stated.

He argued that public policies should incorporate both material and immaterial ambitions, believing that "human beings need food, shelter, clothing, but they also need that intellectual nourishment which reconciles them with what is most essential to them: themselves."

He concluded by citing Mame Cheikh Anta Mbacké as "an absolute reference who, throughout his life, worked to worship his Lord, but who was also a very great servant of his community."