What began as whispers among militants has erupted into a full-blown political feud in Ziguinchor, the historic heartland of Pastef. The clash pits Djibril Sonko, the city’s mayor, against his deputy Bassirou Coly, in a struggle that now threatens to consume the party’s cohesion. This power struggle, once confined to backroom dealings, has now spilled into the open, sending shockwaves through the organization’s ranks.

The spark that ignited this crisis was a supposed rally for militant mobilization in Soucoupapaye. Intended to rally support ahead of upcoming elections, the event instead became a battleground for competing factions within the party. Key figures like Toussaint Manga and Professor Alassane Diédhiou found themselves caught in the crossfire as divergent visions clashed.

At the heart of the dispute lies control of Ziguinchor’s municipal leadership. Bassirou Coly has made no secret of his ambitions, declaring his intent to run for mayor while pledging allegiance to the party’s final decision. Djibril Sonko, meanwhile, has doubled down on his record, defending his governance and rejecting criticism, insisting that internal divisions should not undermine the city’s development progress.

From whispers to open confrontation

The public airing of these grievances has exposed fault lines that have festered for months. Personal rivalries and competing ambitions have now burst into the open, with militants on the ground describing the situation as a turning point for the party in the region. For a party aiming to solidify its dominance in the south, these fractures risk undermining years of political work in what remains a symbolic stronghold for leader Ousmane Sonko.

Local observers warn that losing Ziguinchor in the upcoming municipal elections would send a damaging signal ahead of the 2029 presidential race, with the 2027 local elections serving as a critical test. While some within the party urge unity and discipline, the reality on the ground suggests the opposite—public posturing continues to fuel the divide, with no clear resolution in sight.