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.
Darou Hidjiratou is significant as the birthplace of a prominent Shi'i Muslim family in Senegal, which includes the village leader Cherif Habib Aidara and his brother Cherif Mohamed Aly Aidara, founder of the international NGO Mozdahir.
Demographics
Demographics of Bonconto Rural Community:- 9,688 persons
- 5,416
- Peul
- Manding
- Bassari
- Bambara
- Remaining ethnic groups: Koniagui, Diola, Mandiack, Diankhanké, Koroboro
Zones and villages
| Zone | Village center | Population | 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, 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
is significant as the birthplace of a prominent Shi'i Muslim family in Senegal, including:- Chérif Habibou Aïdara, the local mayor
- Cherif Mohamed Aly Aidara, founder of the international NGO Mozdahir