In a sweeping tour through Senegal’s coastal and central regions, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, made a powerful stop in Bargny today, drawing thousands of enthusiastic supporters. This gathering marked the first leg of his day-long journey, which will continue through Sébikotane, Khombole, and Bambey. The campaign, focused on selling party membership cards, aims to mobilize citizens ahead of the ambitious target of one million adherents by October.
The event unfolded against a backdrop of deep local pride, with crowds lining the streets to welcome Sonko. Addressing the assembled crowd, the Pastef president paid tribute to fallen activists from Bargny, honoring their sacrifices during the turbulent years of political struggle that preceded the party’s historic rise to power.
Sonko, who stepped down as Prime Minister on May 22 to assume the presidency of the National Assembly, reflected on the party’s journey—a decade-long struggle that saw relentless repression and loss of life between 2021 and 2024. The recent legislative triumph, which followed Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s presidential victory in April 2024, was hailed as the culmination of years of unwavering dedication.
This membership drive, launched in early July, has already seen remarkable momentum. In Mbacké, the campaign’s official kickoff drew unprecedented interest, with 13,000 membership cards sold in just a few hours—prompting an immediate restocking order in Dakar. Sonko’s vision remains clear: to build a movement of a million committed members nationwide.
Today’s visit to Bargny also served as a poignant reminder of the party’s roots. Sonko emphasized the importance of solidarity, recalling the 100 million FCFA fund announced to support victims and families of the 2021-2024 unrest—a gesture underscoring Pastef’s commitment to justice and remembrance.
The timing of this tour is particularly significant, coinciding with the establishment of a rival political party by the President. This development has cast a shadow over the once-united coalition that propelled Faye to victory, leading to a string of high-profile departures from Pastef’s ranks in recent weeks.
