Pastef leader malick gackou urges unity against rival party kiiraay

Pastef leader urges members to stand firm against rival formation

Senegal. Dakar. 10/2016. Malik Gakou,President du Grand Parti chez lui.

As the Senegalese political landscape evolves, Malick Gackou, former minister and leader of the Pastef movement, has issued a strong call for party members to remain united against the rising influence of Kiiraay, the new formation aligned with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

With several Pastef officials and activists announcing their transition to Kiiraay, Gackou is now urging party members to demonstrate unwavering commitment and discipline to safeguard the movement’s founding principles.

The veteran politician emphasized that the credibility of Pastef’s political project hinges entirely on the conduct of its representatives. In a direct appeal to Patriotes, he stressed that exemplary behavior is the movement’s greatest asset in maintaining public trust and advancing its sovereignist agenda.

Gackou’s intervention comes at a critical juncture, as Kiiraay—presented as the presidential party of Bassirou Diomaye Faye—continues to attract former Pastef members eager to support the head of state’s initiatives. The move to consolidate unity within Pastef reflects broader efforts to preserve the party’s cohesion ahead of upcoming political milestones.

In his address, Gackou underscored the need for collective action: “To protect our sovereign ambitions and strengthen President Ousmane Sonko’s leadership, we must remain united and steadfast in our public service, driving the nation’s development forward.”

His remarks highlight the growing tensions within Senegal’s political sphere, where shifting alliances and emerging factions are reshaping the dynamics of power. By reinforcing Pastef’s internal discipline, Gackou seeks to counter the momentum of rival formations while reaffirming the movement’s commitment to its original ideals.