This Saturday, Mbacké enthusiastically welcomed Ousmane Sonko, the prominent leader of the Pastef party, for the official launch of a crucial membership card sales campaign. This strategic initiative marks a significant step for Pastef as it meticulously prepares for upcoming electoral challenges, with the highly anticipated 2029 presidential election already a central focus.
Addressing a vibrant assembly of dedicated supporters, Sonko initially focused on fostering unity. Acknowledging existing tensions among certain local officials, he specifically named Dr. Fall Mbaye, Deputy Ahmadou Lö, and Moustapha Diop, firmly urging them to reconcile and collaborate. “I have consistently advocated for this everywhere I’ve visited,” he declared. “Everyone must come together. This is not the time for disagreements; unity is paramount.” He underscored that internal cohesion is a strategic imperative for the party’s future success in Senegal.
Following his powerful call for harmony, Sonko commended the extraordinary enthusiasm the membership drive had generated in Mbacké since its initial announcement. He proudly announced, “Today, well before 4 PM, all 13,000 cards dispatched here were completely sold out. We had to place an urgent new order with Dakar.” The overwhelming public interest was further evidenced by technical overloads experienced on the online membership platform, a clear testament to the movement’s widespread appeal, he added.
Buoyed by this remarkable success, the Pastef leader then unveiled an ambitious target: to enroll an impressive one million members exclusively within the Mbacké department by October, the designated deadline for the sales campaign. Amidst resounding cheers and applause, he confidently asserted, “I am absolutely convinced that the Mbacké department, on its own, possesses the capacity to achieve this milestone of one million members.”
Beyond galvanizing his base, Ousmane Sonko also sought to define the narrative for his supporters and issue a clear caution to political adversaries. He urged his militants to maintain a calm and composed demeanor. “Do not engage in conflict with anyone. Do not react to any provocation,” he advised. He further proclaimed, “If peace prevails across Senegal, Pastef will sweep every election in this nation. No electoral contest will elude us.” He additionally encouraged party members to dedicate themselves diligently to their work and to disregard “those who hold no genuine responsibility, command no significant following, and lack a legitimate political party.”
