Senegalese head of powerful Muslim brotherhood dies

Dakar (AFP) - The head of the powerful Tijaniyya brotherhood of Muslims in Senegal has died, just six months after the passing of his predecessor, Senegalese media reported Friday.

Serigne Abdou Aziz Sy, who was 89, died in Tivaouane, the spiritual home of the Tijaniyya, a Sufi order, the public APS news agency reported.

Around 95 percent of Senegal's population is Muslim and most men join Sufi brotherhoods that combine Islam with distinctive local beliefs.

President Macky Sall, who has just returned from the UN General Assembly, was expected in Tivaouane to pay his respects on Friday afternoon, APS said.

Aziz Sy succeeded his brother Serigne Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane Sy in March when he died aged 91.

Aziz Sy will in turn be replaced by his cousin, Serigne Mbaye Sy Mansour, current spokesman of the brotherhood, APS said.