Hundreds of enthusiastic supporters turned out to welcome Ousmane Sonko in Bargny, marking the first stop on his nationwide tour to promote the sale of Pastef party membership cards. The event set the tone for his visits to Sébikotane, Khombole, and Bambey, where he aimed to connect with local communities and rally support for the initiative.
Addressing the crowd from a stage decorated with party colors, the Pastef leader reflected on the sacrifices made by activists in Bargny during years of political struggle. He honored those who lost their lives in confrontations between 2021 and 2024, a turbulent period that culminated in the party’s historic rise to power under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s leadership.
The membership drive, launched in early July, is part of Pastef’s ambitious goal to enroll one million members nationwide by October. In Mbacké, the campaign’s first major event, over 13,000 cards were sold within hours, prompting the party to place an urgent reorder in Dakar to meet the unexpected demand.
a milestone in Senegal’s political transformation
Ousmane Sonko’s tour comes at a pivotal moment in Senegal’s political landscape. Since stepping down as Prime Minister on May 22 to assume the role of National Assembly President, his relationship with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has progressively deteriorated. This shift follows a series of high-profile resignations from Pastef’s ranks, signaling growing divisions within the coalition that once united them.
The timing of the tour coincides with the President’s launch of his own political party, underscoring the widening rift between the two former allies. Despite these tensions, Sonko remains focused on strengthening Pastef’s grassroots presence, as evidenced by his commitment to funding a 100 million FCFA support program for militants and families affected during the years of repression.
Through this membership campaign, Pastef seeks to consolidate its influence while honoring its roots in activism and resilience. The party’s leadership views this effort as a critical step in solidifying its base ahead of future challenges.
