July 12, 2026

Ouaga Press

Independent English-language coverage of Burkina Faso's most pressing news and developments.

SONKO’s mbaké rally: unity and record-breaking membership drive for 2029 poll

In the heart of Mbacké, a historic gathering unfolded this Saturday as Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, presided over the official launch of a nationwide membership drive. The event, held in front of a roaring crowd of loyal supporters, marked a critical milestone in the party’s preparations for the upcoming 2029 presidential elections.

The rally began with a strong call for unity. Addressing local tensions among key figures—including Dr. Fall Mbaye, Deputy Ahmadou Lö, and Moustapha Diop—Sonko urged them to set aside differences. « I’ve emphasized this everywhere I go: unity is not optional, it’s essential, » he declared. « This is no time for petty disputes. Our strength lies in cohesion. »

Following his appeal for solidarity, Sonko turned to the success of the membership campaign, which had already exceeded expectations. Within hours of the launch, all 13,000 membership cards distributed to Mbacké had been sold out, prompting an urgent restocking order from Dakar. The overwhelming demand even caused temporary technical disruptions on the online enrollment platform, underscoring the surge in grassroots enthusiasm.

Buoyed by this momentum, Sonko set an ambitious target: recruiting one million members in Mbacké alone by October—the deadline for the campaign. « I have no doubt that Mbacké can achieve this milestone on its own, » he declared to resounding cheers from the crowd.

Beyond the numbers, Sonko delivered a message of strategic restraint to his followers. « Stay calm. Do not engage in unnecessary confrontations, » he advised. « If Senegal remains at peace, Pastef will dominate every election in this country. No contest will slip from our grasp. » He also cautioned supporters to ignore provocations from « individuals with no real influence, no backing, and no political party to call their own. »