Tens of thousands of Muslims gathered at Senegal’s holy city of Touba on Monday, for the annual Grand Magal- a pilgrimage which honours the founder of the Mouride Brotherhood, Senegal’s most influential religious order, and that attracts worshippers both from around the country and abroad.
The event raises concerns in light of the Covid-19 pandemic as previous years have seen as many as 3 million people journey to Touba for the religious gathering -with many coming from neighbouring Gambia.
Although large crowds already began swelling in the streets by Sunday afternoon, far fewer pilgrims are expected for the main celebration on Tuesday as Senegal’s land borders are still closed.
