The president of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, just concluded an official visit to Saudi Arabia where he performed Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) and visited the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina.
The 44-year-old was accompanied by his wife, Marie Khone Faye, on the trip.
In photos shared via the official X handle of the presidency, Diomaye Faye was captured with the First Lady at the Haram. They are seen at the Maqaam Ibrahim and also as they exit the Kabah after a tour of the inside.
Translation of a French caption to his photos at the Kabah read: “In Saudi Arabia, as part of the Future Investment Initiative Forum 2024 the President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye took this opportunity to complete the short pilgrimage, Omrah, to Mecca.
“On this occasion, the doors of the Holy Kaaba, located in the Masjid-e-Haram, were exceptionally opened to the Head of State and his delegation on the instruction of His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdel Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia.
“This symbolic gesture illustrates the esteem that the Saudi leader has for his HOST and the quality of relations between Senegal and Saudi Arabia. In this moment of unique gathering, President FAYE uttered prayers for peace, prosperity, and unity in Senegal, invoking divine guidance for a future of solidarity and shared success between our two nations.”
Entry into the Kabah proper is a privilege reserved for presidents and other diplomatic visitors to the Haram. Previous African leaders who have been accorded this honour include Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast and Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria.
“In a spirit of gathering, they (the First Couple) prayed at the Prophet Muhammad’s Mosque (PBUH) and gathered with respect on his noble tomb. President FAYE also visited the museum dedicated to the life and work of the Prophet, a place rich in teachings on the history and values of Islam. This visit to the Holy Land is imprinted with spirituality and a deep attachment to religious values,” a caption for his later post to Madina read.
See the photos below:
Photos from their visit to Madina
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