Reknown Senegambian Muslim leader El Hadji Mama Ansou Niang, 96, from Sirmang, a village in the Senegalese Fatick region, died on Wednesday evening. His true name, El Hadji Ousmane Niang, was buried at Sirmang, in the Karang municipality, on the same day.

The late Mama Ansou had spent several decades in Sirmang after moving from the island of Niodior in the district of Foundiougne (Fatick region). El Hadji Mama Ansou Niang was a learned and devout Muslim.

He brought fame to this long-time resident of the area, which is close to the Gambia. His annual ziarra to Sirmang, in remembrance of the prophet Muhammad’s birth, drew a good number of Muslims every year. In this village, El Hadji Mama Ansou Niang constructed a religious education facility where a large number of people came to stay and receive free Koranic instruction.

The Muslim leader spent his formative years in Siffoe, The Gambia, honing his knowledge of the Koran. He enjoyed imparting his knowledge to all of his guests as well as his fellow believers. Mama Ansou was humble in his own right and full of vision.

May he rest in peace.