Senegal’s Pastef party to hold historic convention in 2026 under Sonko’s leadership

The Patriotic Africans of Senegal for Work, Ethics, and Fraternity (Pastef) is set to convene its first-ever elective national congress on June 6 and 7, 2026, in Dakar. This landmark gathering will focus on electing the party’s new leader and charting its strategic direction for the coming years.

In a decision that reflects the party’s internal cohesion, the High Authority for Party Regulation (HARP) has confirmed Ousmane Sonko, current Prime Minister of Senegal, as the sole candidate for his own re-election as party president. This outcome aligns with expectations given his prominent role in shaping the party’s trajectory since its inception.

While Sonko’s candidacy secured approval without contention, the regulatory body rejected the applications of seven other aspirants. The rejected candidacies stemmed from either incomplete documentation—such as missing identification or membership cards—or procedural irregularities that could not be rectified after the May 20 filing deadline. The HARP emphasized that these decisions were final and non-negotiable.

The upcoming congress is poised to serve as a pivotal moment for Pastef, particularly as it prepares to navigate the political landscape ahead of Senegal’s 2027 local elections and the 2029 presidential race. Under Sonko’s stewardship, the party aims to solidify its policy framework and mobilize support for its vision of national development.