Saint-Louis political feud escalates as Pastef factions clash
Saint-Louis is at the center of a heated political dispute after Modou Mbène Guèye, local coordinator of the Pastef party, fired back at Abba Mbaye following the latter’s sharp criticism of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The clash unfolded during a televised debate, where Mbaye accused the ruling party of abandoning its allies to consolidate power—a strategy he claimed mirrored Ousmane Sonko’s past approach.
In his response, Guèye dismissed Mbaye’s remarks as a display of political amnesia, arguing that the former deputy had contributed nothing to the election of the current administration while repeatedly attacking its leaders. « Abba Mbaye lacks principles, convictions, and ethics—only ingratitude defines his actions, » Guèye stated, pointing to past contradictions in Mbaye’s political career.
Contradictions and past statements fuel tensions
Guèye highlighted inconsistencies in Mbaye’s political narrative, recalling that as a 2022 legislative candidate under the Yewwi Askan Wi banner, Mbaye declared he owed nothing to anyone—a stance Guèye deemed incompatible with earlier accusations against Ousmane Sonko. He also criticized Mbaye’s disrespectful remarks about former Socialist Party leader Ousmane Tanor Dieng, further straining relations between the two factions.
The debate underscores deeper divisions within Senegal’s political landscape, particularly in Saint-Louis, where Guèye reaffirmed his party’s dominance. He cited recent membership drives, including the distribution of 3,750 cards in the commune, as proof of Pastef’s enduring support.
Saint-Louis remains a bastion of Pastef loyalty
Despite Mbaye’s defection to the presidential camp, Guèye vowed that Saint-Louis would stand firm with Pastef, dismissing the appeal of potential personal gains. The local party’s mobilization efforts continue, with a second phase of membership card renewals set to launch on August 8.
