Published on : 04/05/2022 – 07:47
In Senegal, the small island of Sipo, south of Sine Saloum, has been in mourning since the disappearance of Fatou Mané, called “the queen of Sipo”, on April 12. The centenarian was an emblematic figure of this village in the commune of Toubacouta, near Gambia. A “queen” – an honorary title – without crown or castle, but respected for her gifts as a healer and visited by tourists from all over the world. The Senegalese Agency for Tourism Promotion has also paid tribute to him. One of his children should succeed him.
With our special correspondent in Sipo, Charlotte Idrac
Less than half an hour by canoe from Toubacouta, the island of Sipo, bordered by a fine sandy beach. “Here we are in front of the island of Sipo, there are 63 inhabitants”, says the guide Ousmane Sarr. “Queen Fatou Mané was 107 years old according to some, others say 109 years old, but we don’t know exactly. »
The legend says that Fatou Mané had disappeared between her 5 years and her 17 years, with jinns, spirits, before her return to the village and her title initially awarded by foreign visitors.
“The jinns gave her powers, for example she healed people, she healed, she prayed for people. There was a French lady who was pregnant, she is starting to have a baby and the queen said: “I am not a midwife but I can help you have the child without difficulty”, and she succeeded , so we named her the queen. »
40 days of mourning
Fatou Mané received in a recently renovated house, always with a smile. ” She was very open, very welcoming. “says one of his daughters, Bintou Touré. ” She gave advice, she often said that everyone should be respected, young or old, black or white, she said: “We are all the same”. »
The queen of Sipo had six daughters and one son. After the 40 days of mourning, the family will organize his estate. “We will discuss and easily find a solution”, assures Bintou Touré.