Cherished Memories of Africa — Page 29
21 • Pirs (spiritual guides) rule the countryside. • The first President of the country was a Christian although 94% of the population are Muslims. • This is one of a few African countries wherein the army have not meddled in government affairs. • These people are free of afflictions like fighting, murder and pillage and kidnapping. • I have travelled through Senegal during days and nights for 25 years but never faced any hazard. • Every one has religious freedom; Muslims and Christians live peacefully in the same household. • Business is controlled by Lebanese who have settled there for several generations. • Lebanese and Europeans constitute 1% of the population. • Sellers ask for 20 times the actual price of the goods; newcomers get deceived. • Grand buildings and precious pieces of land belong to pirs (religious guides) and their children; they are never sub - jected to accountability. • They fully avail themselves of Islamic permission for polyg - amy. • Of all African countries, Senegal is least affected by AIDS. • No ruler has ever been kicked out of his office; there has been successful handover of power from respective head of states since the inception of modern Senegal. • No ruler has ever been kicked out of his office; they relin - quish power voluntarily. • The former presidents are still well respected throughout the country. • ‘Dakar Rally’ - the world renowned car race ends in Dakar.