Ghanaian Muslims heading to Senegal’s Medina Baye attacked in Mali
Accra: A bus carrying Ghanaian Muslims travelling to Senegal has come under fire in Mali from unknown assailants suspected to be armed robbers on Friday.
The victims mostly from Accra were embarking on a Ziyara (religious visitation) to Medina Baye, a religious centre in Kaolack of Senegal, for the birthday celebration of the Holy Prophet.
According to sources familiar with the incident, though the bus was shot at multiple times, no casualty was recorded and the victims are currently seeking refuge in the Embassy of Ghana in Mali as they get prepared for repatriation.
However information on the exact location of the incident remains scanty.
Other buses en route to Senegal via land have since disembarked on the journey due to the heightened security concerns.
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory urging members of the Tijjaniya Muslim Movement of Ghana intending to travel to Senegal for the visitation to opt for air transportation.
The ministry, however, noted that Senegal remained safe for travellers but said that concerns had arisen regarding security situations along some of the road corridors leading to Dakar, particularly for those undertaking long-distance journeys by road.
The Ministry urged prospective pilgrims to take security considerations into account when making their travel arrangements and recommended air travel as the preferred means of transportation.
“In view of these concerns, prospective travellers and pilgrims are strongly advised to consider travel by air as the most preferred, safe and secure means of transportation,” the advisory stated.
Medina Baye was established by Sheikh Ibrahim Niass, widely known as Baye Niass, and has developed into an important centre of Islamic scholarship and spiritual activity for Tijjaniya followers in Senegal and throughout West Africa.
Ghanaian Tijjaniya followers regularly travel to Medina Baye for religious visitation, prayer, spiritual reflection and participation in major gatherings associated with the Tijjaniya tradition.
The religious links between Ghana and Medina Baye form part of a wider Tijjaniya network extending across several West African countries, making Senegal an important destination for followers of the tradition.
The Ministry urged the Tijjaniya pilgrims and other prospective travellers to adhere to the advisory and prioritise their personal safety and security throughout their journey.
It reiterated its commitment to the welfare, safety and protection of Ghanaian nationals travelling abroad.
It said it would continue to monitor the security situation closely in collaboration with relevant international partners.
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