Serigne Mountakha Mbacké was appointed leader of Senegal’s Mouride Brotherhood in January 2018 after the death of his predecessor, Serigne Cheikh Sidi Moukhtar Mbacké who died at the age of 94. He has become the eighth caliph of the brotherhood which was established by his grandfather, the sufi Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba, who died in 1927 and is buried in Touba. It is estimated that over a sixth of all Senegalese are members of the tariqah, and it is particularly influential in the economic and political spheres. The Grand Magal of Touba is a pilgrimage of millions who converge on Touba to celebrate the life and teachings of Amadou Bamba (held on 18th Safar).