At the PASTEF congress held at the Dakar Arena, Ousmane Sonko delivered a bold message: the era of derision, nicknames, and insults within his movement must come to an end. The leader of the Patriotes party has called for a radical transformation, shifting away from the culture of invective that has long defined public discourse.
Sonko’s declaration marks a decisive break from past practices, emphasizing the need for unwavering discipline and respect. He urged his supporters to adopt a posture of high responsibility, ensuring that interactions with institutions, traditional leaders, and religious authorities remain beyond reproach. This stance is not merely rhetorical—it is a strategic pivot aimed at projecting PASTEF as a credible force in Senegal’s political landscape.
a disciplined movement ready for electoral battles
The restructuring of PASTEF is not an isolated gesture but part of a broader electoral strategy. Sonko dismissed the recent defections of a few members as insignificant, refocusing attention on ambitious organizational goals. His vision includes enrolling a million new members and establishing ten thousand grassroots cells across the country. By mobilizing supporters to engage in nationwide outreach and voter registration drives, he is positioning PASTEF not just as a protest movement, but as a governing party poised for the next elections.
With this disciplined approach, Sonko is redefining PASTEF’s identity—one that prioritizes order, professionalism, and electoral viability. The Senegalese public is now watching closely to see if this transformation will translate into tangible political success.