Militants of the Mouride Brotherhood, the largest Islamic sect in Senegal have attacked and ransacked the offices of a private television, few hours after the TV station aired comments critical of their leader.

By Sheriff Bojang Jnr ( RNW correspondent in Dakar)

Hundreds of Mouride followers walked into the offices of Walfajr Television offices in Central Dakar, shouting 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is great) and demanded to see the Proprietor of the station, Sidy Lamine Niasse. A security guard at the entrance was beaten up and equipments such as computers ransacked, according to local media.

The militants' attack came few hours after Walfajr aired an interview with a prominent Senegalese spiritual leader who condemned statements of one of the leaders of the Mouride Brotherhood over whether or not President Abdoulaye Wade should stay in power for life. This spiritual leader accused the mouride leader of being selfish.

The angry militants stormed the television station just few hours after the interview was conducted. They also attacked the residence of Sidy Lamine Niasse who was escorted to his office by hundreds of fans and armed Senegalese police. Mr. Niasse however remained upbeat. He stood on the roof of his Nissan Patrol and waved at the crowd, while his supporters shouted 'Niasse is innocent'.

Followers of the Mouride sect include President Wade and most of his top government officials. Criticisms against the sect are very uncommon in Senegal. According to many people, the Mourides control the affairs of Senegal and no politician, including the Head of State dares anger or disagree with them.

In the streets of Dakar, people are worried that issues like this might escalate into nationwide religious unrest.