In Ziguinchor, the Pastef party’s once-united front has shattered, exposing deep divisions that threaten to derail its political ambitions in Senegal’s southern stronghold. At the heart of this turmoil are two prominent figures: Mayor Djibril Sonko and his deputy Bassirou Coly, whose rivalry has escalated from behind-the-scenes maneuvering to an open power struggle with far-reaching consequences.
From whispers to open confrontation
A political rally in Soucoupapaye, ostensibly organized to rally members ahead of upcoming elections, became the stage for a dramatic escalation. What began as a routine gathering quickly spiraled into a public airing of grievances between factions loyal to Djibril Sonko and those rallying behind Bassirou Coly. Speakers like Toussaint Manga and Professor Alassane Diédhiou underscored the growing rift, revealing fractures that had long simmered beneath the surface.
The battle for Ziguinchor’s mayoralty
The dispute centers on the control of Ziguinchor’s city hall—a prize both sides covet. Bassirou Coly has openly declared his intent to run for mayor, positioning himself as a challenger while pledging fealty to the party’s eventual nominee. Djibril Sonko, in turn, has defended his decade-long tenure, framing the debate as a distraction from the municipality’s development progress. Neither has shied away from subtly undermining the other’s legitimacy.
Symbolism overshadowed by infighting
Ziguinchor holds outsized significance for Pastef, serving as a symbolic bastion in Ousmane Sonko’s political journey. Yet this internal feud risks tarnishing that image. Local analysts warn that a failure to reconcile these factions could weaken the party’s grip on the region ahead of critical elections—starting with the 2027 local polls, seen as a litmus test for the 2029 presidential race. The stakes couldn’t be higher: losing Ziguinchor would send a damaging signal about the party’s cohesion in Senegal’s south.
Calls for unity have grown louder, but on the ground, the divisions run deep. Personal ambitions and clashing visions for the party’s future continue to fuel tensions, leaving observers questioning whether Pastef can present a united front when it matters most.
