After a hiatus of several weeks, necessitated by the revered Grand Magal of Touba celebrations, Pastef’s president, Ousmane Sonko, has vigorously resumed his party’s membership campaign. This initiative, initially launched with significant fanfare in Touba itself, where it was officially inaugurated during the “48H Pastef” event, has now reignited its momentum. The extensive tour had previously engaged communities in Bargny, Sébikotane, Khombole, and Bambey, before moving to Keur Madiabel and Mbacké. Each stop consistently drew massive crowds and intense mobilization, mirroring the enthusiasm seen during a July 26 visit, which notably coincided with the launch day of the presidential party, Kiiraay.
This latest phase of the campaign is crucial for Pastef, as it strives to achieve its ambitious target of one million members before October. Ousmane Sonko himself underscored this goal during his visit to Mbacké, where he set a particularly high bar for that department, famously stating that Mbacké alone could potentially contribute a million new adherents. Previous stages of the membership drive frequently experienced swift sell-outs of party cards within mere hours, compelling the party to arrange rapid resupplies to meet the overwhelming demand from supporters.
The re-commencement of this critical campaign unfolds against a backdrop of heightened political tension. This period is notably characterized by the definitive rupture between Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as well as the emergence of the new presidential party, Kiiraay. The launch of Kiiraay has, in recent weeks, triggered the departure of several prominent Pastef figures. In response to these defections, the party leader recently urged his militants to refrain from commenting on the departures and instead maintain unwavering focus on the ongoing campaign’s objectives.
This latest phase of the campaign is crucial for Pastef, as it strives to achieve its ambitious target of one million members before October. Ousmane Sonko himself underscored this goal during his visit to Mbacké, where he set a particularly high bar for that department, famously stating that Mbacké alone could potentially contribute a million new adherents. Previous stages of the membership drive frequently experienced swift sell-outs of party cards within mere hours, compelling the party to arrange rapid resupplies to meet the overwhelming demand from supporters.
The re-commencement of this critical campaign unfolds against a backdrop of heightened political tension. This period is notably characterized by the definitive rupture between Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as well as the emergence of the new presidential party, Kiiraay. The launch of Kiiraay has, in recent weeks, triggered the departure of several prominent Pastef figures. In response to these defections, the party leader recently urged his militants to refrain from commenting on the departures and instead maintain unwavering focus on the ongoing campaign’s objectives.
