Sonko resumes card sales campaign after pause

Following weeks of pause during the Grand Magal celebrations in Touba, Pastef party leader Ousmane Sonko has relaunched his vigorous membership drive, picking up where he left off at the campaign’s outset. The initiative, which began during the ‘48H Pastef’ event in Touba, has already taken him through Bargny, Sébikotane, Khombole, Bambey, Keur Madiabel, and Mbacké. Each stop has drawn massive crowds, with the July 26 rally coinciding with the launch of the new presidential party, Kiiraay.

This renewed push aligns with the party’s goal to surpass one million members before October—a target Sonko emphasized during his visit to Mbacké, where he suggested the department alone could contribute significantly to that milestone. Prior stops saw rapid sell-outs of membership cards, prompting quick restocking efforts to meet surging demand.

The revival comes amid heightened political tensions, particularly the rift between Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as well as the recent formation of Kiiraay, which has led to a wave of defections from Pastef. In response, Sonko urged supporters to ignore the departures and remain focused on the campaign’s objectives.