Internal power struggles surface within Pastef in Ziguinchor

The facade of unity in Ziguinchor has crumbled. What were once quiet whispers and subtle rivalries have now escalated into a visible political confrontation within Pastef. At the heart of this internal crisis are two prominent local figures: the city’s mayor, Djibril Sonko, and his deputy, Bassirou Coly, whose dispute is causing concern even within the party’s inner circles.

In Ousmane Sonko’s historical stronghold, the situation is evolving into what many describe as a political time bomb. Beneath the surface of mobilization efforts, deep fractures are widening, threatening the cohesion of a party determined to solidify its presence in Senegal’s southern region. The current friction originated during a political gathering held in Soucoupapaye, ostensibly aimed at re-energizing activists and preparing for upcoming elections. However, the event quickly transcended its initial purpose.

Amidst local and national officials, including Toussaint Manga and Professor Alassane Diédhiou, speeches brought to light an 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, aligned with Bassirou Coly, advocated for an alternative leadership and openly considered a mayoral candidacy in the next local elections.

A fragile facade of unity

The tension has coalesced around a central issue: the political control and potential re-election for the mayoralty of Ziguinchor. During the discussions, Bassirou Coly hinted at his ambitions, affirming his desire to run for mayor while simultaneously assuring he would defer to the party’s ultimate decision.

Conversely, Mayor Djibril Sonko staunchly defended his municipal administration’s record and his commitment, dismissing criticisms and emphasizing his deep local roots. Without directly naming his opponents, he suggested that internal debates should not undermine the development momentum within the commune.

These public declarations served as a stark revelation. For several months, subtle tensions had been brewing within the party’s local structures. Now, these divisions are openly manifest, fueled by personal rivalries and competing political aspirations.

For many activists present, this sequence marks a worrying turning point. At a time when Pastef aims to strengthen its foothold in its symbolic bastion, these internal divisions risk weakening the ongoing political dynamic. Beyond the local context, the implications extend beyond just the Ziguinchor mayoralty. As a highly symbolic city in Ousmane Sonko’s political journey, it serves as a crucial barometer of the party’s strength in the south.

Some local officials are already warning about the political repercussions of a defeat in this strategic commune. Losing Ziguinchor would be perceived as a negative signal ahead of the 2029 presidential elections, for which the 2027 local contests represent a decisive preliminary step. Faced with this escalation of tensions, calls for discipline and the preservation of unity are being heard. Yet, on the ground, rivalries persist, fueled by increasingly public stances.