He has paraded followers in black uniforms, declared himself "President" and alternated the titles of "Cheikh" and "General". In 2005, he backed down from challenging the government in presidential elections under pressure from his family (who still lead the Mouride movement). In November 2006, a month after announcing he would direct his followers to support opposition leader Idrissa Seck, his followers came into conflict with local police, and his compound was raided.