Paper short abstract:

This paper proposes a comparative approach of new practices of the Niassen youth, its expression in the public sphere and its commitment in social and political debate in two different contexts, Senegal and Togo.

Paper long abstract:

When considering national and transnational dynamics of Islam in contemporary Africa, we often think of new orders and movements of Da'wa. Despite their ancient history over the continent, Sufi brotherhoods also prove to be relevant contexts to observe the emergence of new practices of Islam in the religious sphere as well as in the social and political spheres. In this paper I propose to focus on a particular branch of the Tijâniyya, founded by spiritual leader Ibrahim Niasse (also called "Baye Niasse). This way (tariqa) is characterised by transnationality and was able to adapt to different social and political contexts across Africa, and more recently in Europe and the United States among diasporas. I would like to compare Senegal and Togo from an anthropological perspective where this branch is shaping differently. In Senegal it is fuelled by the conversion of an increasing number of young people avid for independence and empowerment. I will analyse the case of Hip-Hop artists as relevant examples of this trend, as well as charismatic figures also committed to social movements and political action (Y'en a marre). In Togo, where only 10% of the population are Muslims, it tends to be stigmatised by other currents of Islam in spite of the religious dialogue encouraged by state organisations. I will observe the way it participates in religious and political debate under the new regime.