At the Dakar Arena, Ousmane Sonko used the PASTEF congress to mark a turning point in his movement’s approach, signaling a shift from divisive rhetoric to a disciplined, forward-looking vision. The leader of the Patriotes party made it clear that personal attacks and derogatory language have no place in the movement’s future.
« Quolibets, nicknames, insults—none of this should define PASTEF anymore, » Sonko declared, urging his supporters to adopt a posture of unwavering responsibility. He emphasized the need to respect the country’s institutions, traditional leaders, and religious authorities, framing it as a strategic move to counter provocations from opponents.
The call for discipline is part of a broader effort to restructure the party and strengthen its electoral prospects. Despite recent defections by a few members—dismissed by Sonko as insignificant—the movement is setting ambitious targets, including the enrollment of one million new party cards and the establishment of ten thousand grassroots cells.
Sonko’s directives to his followers are clear: « Traverse the country » and massively register voters. By doing so, he is repositioning PASTEF not just as a protest movement, but as a structured political force ready to govern. The focus is squarely on the upcoming elections, with every action geared toward securing a decisive role in shaping the nation’s future.
