On Saturday, Mbacké played host to Ousmane Sonko, the esteemed leader of the “Patriots” and president of Pastef. His visit marked the official launch of the party’s membership card sales campaign, a pivotal initiative as Pastef gears up for upcoming elections, with the 2029 presidential race already a clear objective. Addressing an enthusiastic gathering of militants, Sonko first adopted a unifying stance. Acknowledging internal friction among local officials, including Doctor Fall Mbaye, Deputy Ahmadou Lö, and Moustapha Diop—whom he mentioned by name—Ousmane Sonko urged them to join forces. “I have advocated for this everywhere I’ve been. Everyone must unite. This is not the time for disputes; unity must prevail,” he asserted, stressing that cohesion remains a strategic imperative for Pastef. Following this crucial clarification, he lauded the remarkable enthusiasm the membership drive had generated in Mbacké since its initial announcement.
“Today, well before 4 PM, all 13,000 membership cards dispatched to Mbacké were purchased. We had to place an urgent new order from Dakar,” Ousmane Sonko proudly announced. He further highlighted that the immense online traffic for digital registrations had even caused technical overloads, underscoring the widespread appeal of the movement across Senegal. Building on this resounding success, the Pastef leader articulated an ambitious target: to enroll one million members solely within the Mbacké department by October, the designated deadline for the sales campaign. “I am confident that the Mbacké department, by itself, can generate this million members,” he declared to thunderous applause.
Yet, beyond mere mobilization, Ousmane Sonko sought to define the discourse for his supporters and issue a clear warning to his political rivals. He urged his militants to prioritize composure. “Do not engage in conflict with anyone. Do not respond to any provocation. If peace prevails in Senegal, Pastef will sweep every election in this nation. No electoral contest can elude us,” he affirmed. He also encouraged activists to remain focused on their core responsibilities and to disregard “those who hold no genuine authority, who lack popular backing, and who are affiliated with no legitimate political party.”
“Today, well before 4 PM, all 13,000 membership cards dispatched to Mbacké were purchased. We had to place an urgent new order from Dakar,” Ousmane Sonko proudly announced. He further highlighted that the immense online traffic for digital registrations had even caused technical overloads, underscoring the widespread appeal of the movement across Senegal. Building on this resounding success, the Pastef leader articulated an ambitious target: to enroll one million members solely within the Mbacké department by October, the designated deadline for the sales campaign. “I am confident that the Mbacké department, by itself, can generate this million members,” he declared to thunderous applause.
Yet, beyond mere mobilization, Ousmane Sonko sought to define the discourse for his supporters and issue a clear warning to his political rivals. He urged his militants to prioritize composure. “Do not engage in conflict with anyone. Do not respond to any provocation. If peace prevails in Senegal, Pastef will sweep every election in this nation. No electoral contest can elude us,” he affirmed. He also encouraged activists to remain focused on their core responsibilities and to disregard “those who hold no genuine authority, who lack popular backing, and who are affiliated with no legitimate political party.”
