Ousmane Sonko launches Pastef membership drive in Senegal’s key cities

In a whirlwind tour across Senegal’s coastal and central regions, Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly and founder of the Pastef party, mobilized supporters in Bargny, Sébikotane, Khombole, and Bambey this week. The campaign, aimed at expanding membership, marks a critical phase in the party’s ambition to surpass one million registered supporters nationwide.

Local heroes honored in Bargny

Addressing a jubilant crowd in Bargny, Sonko paid tribute to activists who lost their lives during the turbulent years leading up to the party’s electoral triumph in 2024. These years were marked by intense political confrontations, including crackdowns and tragic losses between 2021 and 2024, which ultimately paved the way for the party’s historic rise to power.

The gathering in Bargny also underscored the resilience of local supporters, whose unwavering commitment was instrumental in the party’s victory. Sonko reiterated the party’s pledge to honor these sacrifices, including a previously announced 100 million FCFA fund to support families of fallen activists.

From Mbacké to a national movement

The membership drive, launched in early July, has already made waves across the country. In Mbacké, the campaign’s official kickoff saw an astounding 13,000 cards sold within hours, prompting the party to place an urgent reorder in Dakar. With a target of one million members by October, Sonko’s team is pushing forward with relentless energy.

A shifting political landscape

Sonko’s tour comes at a pivotal moment in Senegal’s political arena. Since his transition from Prime Minister to President of the National Assembly on May 22, tensions within the former coalition—Diomaye Président—have escalated into a full-blown rift. Just as Sonko’s party ramps up its outreach, the President launched his own political formation, deepening the divide between once-united allies. Recent weeks have also seen a wave of resignations from Pastef’s ranks, signaling broader internal shifts.

The tour through Bargny, Sébikotane, Khombole, and Bambey is more than a membership drive; it’s a statement of resilience and determination in the face of evolving political dynamics.