Ziguinchor’s pastef party: internal rifts challenge ousmane sonko’s stronghold
Ziguinchor’s pastef party: internal rifts challenge ousmane sonko’s stronghold
In Ziguinchor, the Pastef party is experiencing an overt internal struggle, with Djibril Sonko and Bassirou Coly vying for influence. As tensions escalate, the party’s future in the region appears increasingly uncertain, revealing concerning divisions within its ranks.
The facade of unity within Pastef in Ziguinchor has crumbled. What were once hushed whispers and subtle rivalries have now erupted into a visible political confrontation. At the heart of this internal crisis are two prominent local figures: Djibril Sonko, the city’s mayor, and his deputy, Bassirou Coly. Their escalating feud is causing considerable concern within party circles.
This situation in Ousmane Sonko’s historical stronghold is rapidly becoming a political powder keg. Beneath the surface of calls for mobilization, deep-seated fractures are widening, threatening the cohesion of a party determined to solidify its presence in the southern part of the country. The current unrest traces back to a political gathering held in Soucoupapaye, ostensibly organized to re-energize activists and prepare for upcoming elections. However, the event quickly transcended its initial purpose.
With local and national officials like Toussaint Manga and Professor Alassane Diédhiou in attendance, the speeches delivered openly highlighted the now undeniable rivalry between opposing factions. On one side, the mayor’s supporters championed his achievements and institutional legitimacy. On the other, a segment of the party, led by Bassirou Coly, advocated for an alternative leadership and openly considered a mayoral bid in the next local elections.
Fragile unity increasingly visible
The core of the tension revolves around a critical question: the reassertion and political control of the Ziguinchor mayoralty. During the discussions, Bassirou Coly made his ambitions clear, expressing his desire to run for mayor while simultaneously affirming his commitment to ultimately support the party’s final decision.
Conversely, Mayor Djibril Sonko vigorously defended his municipal record and dedication, dismissing criticisms and emphasizing his deep local roots. Without directly naming his detractors, he implied that internal debates should not undermine the development momentum already underway in the commune.
These public declarations acted as a stark revelation. For several months, latent tensions had been brewing within the party’s local structures. Now, fueled by personal rivalries and competing aspirations, these divisions are fully exposed.
For many activists present, this sequence marks a worrying turning point. At a time when Pastef aims to strengthen its foothold in this symbolic bastion, these internal rifts risk weakening the ongoing political dynamic. Beyond this local issue, the stakes extend beyond just the Ziguinchor mayoralty. As a city highly symbolic in Ousmane Sonko’s political journey, it serves as a crucial indicator of the party’s strength in the south.
Some local leaders are already sounding alarms about the political repercussions of a defeat in this strategic commune. Losing Ziguinchor would be perceived as a negative signal leading up to the 2029 presidential elections, for which the 2027 local elections represent a decisive preliminary stage. Faced with these escalating tensions, voices within the party are calling for discipline and the preservation of unity. Yet, on the ground, rivalries persist, fueled by increasingly public stances.