Bargny: Ousmane Sonko rallies Pastef supporters for membership drive

In a show of force, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, launched a political tour in Bargny this weekend, marking the beginning of an intensive campaign to boost membership card sales across key areas of Senegal.

The tour, which will also take Sonko to Sébikotane, Khombole and Bambey, aims to energize local activists and strengthen grassroots support for the initiative. The first stop in Bargny drew a massive turnout of party loyalists and local officials, underscoring the growing momentum behind Pastef’s membership drive.

Strengthening grassroots engagement

Speaking to a packed crowd in Bargny, Sonko emphasized the critical role of membership card sales in shaping the party’s future electoral prospects. He urged local leaders and activists to redouble their efforts, calling the initiative a strategic necessity for Pastef’s growth and influence.

“I am here to encourage our militants in the membership drive. In fact, I shouldn’t even be speaking right now,” Sonko told the crowd, stressing the importance of every activist’s involvement. He went on to declare, “The sale of these cards will determine the outcome of the upcoming elections,” reinforcing his confidence in the party’s ability to mobilize the electorate.

Sonko also paid tribute to the resilience of the people of Bargny, acknowledging the hardships they endured under the previous administration. “I have not forgotten what you went through—the victims under Macky Sall’s rule. I want you to know that your struggles have not been in vain,” he affirmed, drawing strong applause from the audience.

Overcoming challenges and maintaining focus

Addressing the broader challenges facing Pastef’s political project, Sonko admitted that the party still faces significant hurdles, including accountability, political violence, and development priorities. “We do not yet have all the tools and resources to fully realize our ambitions,” he noted, while reaffirming his belief in the party’s long-term vision.

He called on militants to remain disciplined and composed amid rising political tensions, urging them to stay the course in pursuit of their goals. “We are 80% of the way to achieving our target, and the membership drive is a key part of that journey,” he concluded, urging activists to push forward without succumbing to provocations.

The leader of Pastef concluded his address by reaffirming the party’s commitment to consolidating its grassroots support, positioning the membership campaign as a cornerstone of its electoral strategy.