Millions of Muslims belonging to the Mouride brotherhood in Senegal and elsewhere are converging on the Senegalese Holy City of Touba for their annual pilgrimage known locally as the Magal.

It is an occasion that marks the departure into exile of the founder of the brotherhood Cheikh Amadou Bamba Mbacké.

This year’s event comes amid the corona virus pandemic which has infected over 35 million people and killed over one million of which 312 was recorded in Senegal.

The authorities and organisers of the Magal, say measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of the corona virus among pilgrims.

Serign Moustapha Mbacké Guindé Fatma is a mouride religious leader and grandson of Serign Moustapha MBACKE.

He spoke to my colleague Marie Vianey AFANGBEDJI of WADR French-Service about the health protocols instituted for the Magal.