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
Rural community
Bonconto Commune Location in Senegal
Coordinates:
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]

• Peul (Fulani) (73%)
• Manding (8%)
• Bassari (6%)
• Bambara (4%)
• Remaining ethnic groups: Koniagui, Diola, Mandiack, Diankhanké, Koroboro

Zones and villages

Zones and villages in Bonconto Commune:[4]

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