Political tour in Jolof: Ousmane Sonko and PASTEF launch departmental headquarters

In a sweeping display of political engagement, the PASTEF-Les Patriotes party concluded a two-day intensive tour across the Jolof region. The delegation, led by party leader Ousmane Sonko and State Minister Habib Sy, alongside national officials and coalition allies, traversed all 19 communes of Linguère department—from Dahra to Barkédji, including stops in Sagatta and Yang-Yang. The visit underscored the party’s commitment to deepening local roots and fostering grassroots connections.

The itinerary was meticulously crafted to blend traditional diplomacy with strategic outreach. Delegates engaged in courtesy visits with religious and customary leaders, while simultaneously holding focused working sessions with PASTEF’s core structures, including youth, women, and local cadres. The mission was clear: strengthen the party’s territorial presence and energize its membership drive.

Strengthening local presence and launching a membership campaign

The highlight of the tour was the inauguration of PASTEF’s new departmental headquarters in Linguère. This symbolic gesture marks the official launch of an ambitious membership enrollment campaign aimed at consolidating the party’s influence at the village and neighborhood levels. The event also served as a platform to unveil the department’s strategic roadmap for the coming period, reflecting a renewed focus on inclusive governance and community-driven development.

Local party officials emphasized the importance of proximity-based engagement, vowing to intensify outreach efforts in even the most remote areas of the department. The message was unambiguous: PASTEF is doubling down on its grassroots strategy to ensure no community is left behind in the political process.

Uniting for territorial development

In a bold move to broaden its appeal, PASTEF extended an open invitation to political actors from diverse backgrounds. The call to unity transcends party lines, targeting not only loyal supporters but also leaders from other formations who share a vision for sustainable territorial development. The initiative reflects a pragmatic approach to coalition-building, positioning PASTEF as a unifying force in the Jolof region’s political landscape.

The tour’s conclusion left no doubt about the party’s ambitions. With a newly established operational base and a refreshed mandate to expand its reach, PASTEF is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Linguère and the broader Jolof area.

By Pierre Tchuente — Security and Policy Analyst