Internal rift threatens Pastef unity in Ziguinchor stronghold

The facade of cohesion within Pastef has crumbled in Ziguinchor. What began as quiet disagreements has transformed into an open power struggle between Mayor Djibril Sonko and his deputy, Bassirou Coly, revealing deep-seated fractures that now worry the party’s top leadership.

In the symbolic heart of Ousmane Sonko’s political movement, this escalating friction is a political ticking clock. During a gathering in Soucoupapaye meant to energize supporters for upcoming elections, the underlying discord became impossible to ignore. National figures like Toussaint Manga and Professor Alassane Diédhiou witnessed a meeting that shifted from mobilization to a platform for competing local ambitions.

On one side, supporters of Mayor Djibril Sonko emphasize his institutional track record and local legitimacy. On the other, a faction led by Bassirou Coly is pushing for change, with Coly openly considering a run for the mayor’s office in the next local elections. This rivalry is no longer a secret, threatening the very stability of the party in southern Sénégal.

A fragile front under pressure

The core of the dispute is the political control of the Ziguinchor city hall. During recent discussions, Bassirou Coly made his intentions clear, stating his desire to lead the municipality while maintaining he would eventually follow the party’s official choice. In response, Djibril Sonko defended his administration’s progress and warned that internal bickering must not derail the development projects currently underway in the commune.

These public exchanges have exposed months of simmering resentment. Personal rivalries and clashing career goals are now at the forefront, replacing the unified message the party usually projects. For many activists on the ground, this shift marks a dangerous turning point.

As Pastef works to cement its influence in its most important regional bastion, these internal divisions risk stalling its momentum. Ziguinchor is more than just a city; it serves as a crucial barometer for the party’s overall health. Local leaders are already sounding the alarm, noting that any sign of weakness here could have national repercussions. Losing ground in Ziguinchor would be a major setback ahead of the 2027 local elections, which are seen as a vital stepping stone toward the 2029 presidential race. Despite calls for discipline and solidarity, the friction between the two camps shows no signs of cooling down.