Mbacké played host this Saturday to the esteemed leader of the “Patriots” movement. Ousmane Sonko, president of Pastef, arrived to officially launch the party’s membership card sales campaign, a pivotal initiative as the political organization gears up for upcoming electoral battles, with the 2029 presidential election already firmly in its sights. Addressing an engaged assembly of activists, the leader initially focused on fostering unity. Observing evident tensions among certain local officials, including Doctor Fall Mbaye, Deputy Ahmadou Lö, and Moustapha Diop — individuals he personally acknowledged — Ousmane Sonko explicitly urged them to collaborate. “I have advocated for this everywhere I have been. Everyone must join hands. This is not a moment for discord. Unity must prevail,” he firmly stated, underscoring that cohesion is a fundamental strategic imperative.

Following this clear directive, Sonko applauded the remarkable enthusiasm that the membership drive had generated in Mbacké since its initial announcements. “Today, well before 4 PM, all 13,000 cards dispatched here were sold. A new order had to be placed with Dakar,” Ousmane Sonko proudly revealed. He further noted that the surge of traffic on the online membership platform had even led to technical overloads, a clear indicator of the movement’s widespread appeal.

Buoyed by this resounding success, the Pastef leader articulated an ambitious target: to enroll an astounding one million members within the Mbacké department alone by October, the designated deadline for the sales campaign. “I am confident that the Mbacké department, by itself, can generate this million members,” he declared to a chorus of cheers.

Beyond mere mobilization, Ousmane Sonko was keen to shape the discourse of his supporters and issue a strong caution to his political adversaries. He implored his activists to prioritize tranquility. “Do not engage in conflict with anyone. Do not respond to any provocation. If peace endures in Senegal, Pastef will sweep every election in this nation. No electoral contest can elude us,” he affirmed. He also encouraged militants to remain focused on their objectives and to disregard “those who hold no genuine responsibility, possess no popular backing, and represent no political party.”