The political arena within the department of Podor has recently witnessed a significant development with a local figure’s withdrawal from the Pastef party. Ibrahima Diam Sow, who served as the inaugural coordinator for Pastef in the commune of Méri and also presided over the Mouvement des patriotes soumis (MPI), has formally announced his disassociation from the political movement led by Ousmane Sonko.

Previously holding the position of communication manager for Pastef in the Podor region, Ibrahima Diam Sow attributes his decision to profound disagreements with the party’s current direction. He specifically points to what he describes as “numerous contradictions” and criticizes an internal atmosphere that he likens to a “dictatorship of singular thought.” According to Sow, these internal shifts have made it impossible for him to continue identifying with Pastef’s political vision.

In a declaration outlining his new political stance, the erstwhile party executive now openly pledges his support to the Diomaye-Président coalition and affirms his commitment to backing the initiatives of Head of State, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. His positioning, he states, is driven by a core belief encapsulated in his words: “We prioritize the nation above the party.”

As a foundational figure for Pastef in the northern part of the country, Ibrahima Diam Sow played a crucial role in establishing the party’s presence in this strategically important area. His contributions included organizing Ousmane Sonko’s initial visit to the region in 2017 and actively participating in various mobilization efforts alongside other local political leaders, notably Ibrahima Sy.