Ousmane Sonko rallies supporters in Senegal’s pastef membership drive

In a show of grassroots strength, Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly and founder of Pastef, began a sweeping tour through key Senegalese towns this week to rally support for the party’s ambitious membership campaign. The first stop in Bargny drew massive crowds, with Sonko addressing local residents before moving on to Sébikotane, Khombole, and Bambey. This push aims to secure a million new members, a milestone the party hopes to reach by October.

Standing before an attentive audience, Sonko paid tribute to fallen activists from Bargny who lost their lives during years of political struggle prior to Pastef’s rise to power. His address highlighted their sacrifices and celebrated the resilience of local supporters in what he described as a decade-long fight for change, marked by repression and loss from 2021 to 2024.

Sonko’s tour follows his recent transition from Prime Minister to President of the National Assembly, a move that coincided with growing tensions between him and the President of the Republic. The timing is significant, as it unfolds on the same day the Head of State officially launched his own political party, underscoring a definitive split within the former coalition, Diomaye Président. The rift has already led to the departure of several Pastef leaders in recent weeks.

This leg of the journey to Bargny continues Sonko’s ongoing commemoration of activists and victims from the 2021–2024 period. Earlier this year, he announced a 100 million FCFA fund to support those affected by political unrest during that time.

The membership drive, which kicked off in early July, has already seen strong momentum. In Mbacké, the first official event drew overwhelming response, with 13,000 cards sold within hours—so many that the party had to place an immediate reorder with suppliers in Dakar. With the October target in sight, Sonko is determined to turn this grassroots energy into a historic milestone for Pastef.