Bonconto (commune)
Bonconto Commune is a rural community of Bonconto Arrondissement in the Vélingara Department, Kolda Region, Senegal. It is also spelled Bonkonto. The commune is known as a major center of Shia Islam in Senegal and is home to the Al Hassanayni Grand Mosque of Darou Hidjiratou, the largest mosque in the commune.[1]
Bonconto Commune
Bonkonto Commune | |
|---|---|
  Bonconto Commune Location in Senegal | |
| Coordinates: 13°01′27″N 13°55′32″W | |
| Country |  Senegal |
| Region | Kolda Region |
| Department | Vélingara Department |
| Arrondissement | Bonconto |
| Time zone | UTC±00:00 (GMT) |
Darou Hidjiratou is significant as the birthplace of a prominent Shi'i Muslim family in Senegal, which includes the village leader Cherif Habib Aidara (Chérif Habibou Aïdara) and his brother Cherif Mohamed Aly Aidara, founder of the international NGO Mozdahir.[2][3]
Demographics
Demographics of Bonconto Rural Community:[4]
- 9,688 persons (year 2010)
- 5,416 (year 1988)
9 ethnic groups were counted in 2010, with Fulani making up most of the population.[4]
Zones and villages
Zones and villages in Bonconto Commune:[4]
| Zone | Village center | Population (2010) | Number of villages | Villages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonconto | Bonconto | 2,670 | 11 | Bonconto, Bonconto Fouta, Darou Salam Djidéré, Téyel Pakane, Diyabougou, Fodé, Mandounka Kaly, Kéréwane Pakane, Koundara Kaba, Mounting Hamady, Nétéré Pakane, Kaél Béssel |
| Bantancountou | Bantancountou | 1,197 | 5 | Bantancountou, Darou Salam Sedou, Thiancoung, Kodionté, Sahatou |
| Saré Bossédie | Saré Bossédie | 448 | 5 | Saré Bossédie, Mampatéyel, Pakane, Bandiangara, Patim Couta Pakane |
| Darou Hidjiratou | Darou Hidjiratou | 2,925 | 8 | Darou Hidjiratou (Darou Idjiratou), Amanatoulaye, Fass, Afia, Pakinia Sinthiang, Pakinia Maoundé, Hamdalaye Koula, Moundou Sankoulé |
| Thiomolock | Thiomolock | 1,076 | 6 | Thiomolock Tombong, Thiomolock Diam, Saré Yéro Bouly, Sinthiang Baïlo, Hamdallye Barka, Sinthiang Guélladio |
Notable people
Darou Hidjiratou is significant as the birthplace of a prominent Shi'i Muslim family in Senegal, including:[2][3]
- Chérif Habibou Aïdara, the local mayor
- Cherif Mohamed Aly Aidara, founder of the international NGO Mozdahir (brother of Chérif Habibou Aïdara)
References
- "Inaugurantion d'une mosquée construite par l'Institut Mozdahir International : Le khalife de Médina Gounass bénit les actions de l'Ong chiite". leral.net. Retrieved Feb 21, 2020.
- "Présentation de Chérif Habib AÏDARA". Retrieved Feb 21, 2020.
- "SORTIE DU MAIRE DE BONKONTOU : Les précisions de Chérif Habibou Aïdara". Archived from the original on February 21, 2020. Retrieved Feb 21, 2020.
- "PLAN LOCAL DE DEVELOPPEMENT DE LA COMMUNAUTE RURALE DE BONCONTO RAPPORT FINAL. Approuvé le 23/06/2012". Retrieved Feb 21, 2020.