The political dynamics within the Podor department have experienced a fresh development with the exit of a key local figure from the Pastef party. Ibrahima Diam Sow, who served as the first Pastef coordinator in the Méri commune and presides over the Mouvement des patriotes soumis (MPI), has officially announced his dissociation from the political formation led by Ousmane Sonko.

As the former communications manager for Pastef in the Podor region, Ibrahima Diam Sow justifies his withdrawal by citing profound disagreements with the party’s current direction. He specifically points to what he describes as “numerous contradictions” and criticizes an internal atmosphere he likens to a “dictatorship of single thought.” According to Sow, these developments mean he can no longer identify with Pastef’s political vision.

In his new political direction, the former party official now openly supports the Diomaye-Président coalition and affirms his commitment to backing the actions of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. He asserts a stance guided by a conviction he summarizes as: “We place the nation before the party.” This shift underscores a notable change in local African politics.

A prominent figure from Pastef’s formative years in the northern part of the country, Ibrahima Diam Sow played a significant role in establishing the party’s presence in this strategic area. Notably, he contributed to organizing Ousmane Sonko’s inaugural visit to the region in 2017 and actively participated in various mobilization campaigns alongside local political leaders, including Ibrahima Sy.