Mbacké became the latest stop on Ousmane Sonko’s campaign trail this past Saturday as the Pastef leader officially launched the membership drive, a critical step ahead of the upcoming 2029 presidential election. Addressing a crowd of enthusiastic supporters in the heart of the city, Sonko urged local leaders to set aside differences and unite under a single banner. Among those named in his call for cohesion were Dr. Fall Mbaye, Deputy Ahmadou Lö, and Moustapha Diop. “Wherever I go, I make this clear: we must stand together. This is not the time for petty disputes. What we need is unity,” he declared, stressing that solidarity is the only path to victory.
The event took on added significance as Sonko highlighted the overwhelming response to the membership drive. Within hours of the launch, all 13,000 cards dispatched to Mbacké had already been purchased, prompting an emergency restock from Dakar. Technical glitches on the online platform, caused by high traffic, further underscored the surge in public interest. “The enthusiasm here is undeniable,” Sonko noted, adding that the momentum is a clear sign of what’s to come.
With conviction, he set an ambitious target: securing one million members in Mbacké alone by October, the deadline for the drive. “This department has the strength to achieve that milestone,” he asserted, as the crowd erupted in applause. Beyond the numbers, Sonko also took the opportunity to temper expectations and steer the narrative. He urged his supporters to maintain composure in the face of adversity, warning against engaging in conflicts or reacting to provocations. “If Senegal remains at peace, Pastef will dominate the political landscape. No election will slip from our grasp,” he declared, positioning the party as the inevitable force in the country’s future.
In a final message to his base, Sonko cautioned against distractions from figures lacking real influence or institutional backing. “Ignore those who have no one behind them, no party structure, and no true responsibility,” he advised, reinforcing the importance of staying focused on the movement’s goals.
