A public dispute has erupted within Senegal’s Pastef party, centered on strategy and loyalty to party leader Ousmane Sonko, as Dr. Seydou Diallo publicly criticized what he characterized as newcomers attempting to undermine the party’s established goals. Diallo insisted on prioritizing the showcasing of achievements by President Macky Sall’s government – a potentially divisive stance for an opposition party – and dismissed those he believes lack a genuine commitment to Pastef’s core principles.
The conflict, playing out in the Keur Massar region, reveals a struggle for influence within the party, particularly as it navigates the political landscape following recent elections. Diallo, speaking to the press, launched a veiled attack on Waly Diouf Bodian, emphasizing the importance of established party members and questioning the motives of more recent arrivals. “We are not engaging in political maneuvering,” Diallo stated, according to reports. “We will not speak with those who have joined all political parties before joining Pastef. We will not accept that they divide us.”
Diallo further asserted his long-standing commitment to Pastef, claiming This proves the only party he has ever known. He cautioned against those who might exploit their proximity to Sonko for personal gain, stating, “It is not as one is close to President Ousmane Sonko that one can do as one pleases. We will not accept that.”
Responding to Diallo’s remarks, the youth wing of Pastef in Keur Massar issued a statement formally denying Diallo’s claim to have been the coordinator of the JPS (Jeunesse Patriotique du Sénégal) in Keur Massar. This denial adds another layer to the internal conflict, raising questions about leadership legitimacy and control within the local party structure.
Alioune Sène, a political leader of Pastef in Keur Massar Nord and a member of the JPS, has called for unity and action, rejecting what he described as “artificial and manipulative” divisions between supporters of Bodian and Diallo. Sène urged the JPS department to move beyond symbolic gestures and demonstrate alignment with the political line set by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. He suggested that the current “unnecessary noise” stems from a reluctance among some officials to publicly declare their positions.
The dispute comes at a critical juncture for Pastef, as the party prepares for future political challenges. The tensions are being closely watched within the region, with observers noting the potential for destabilization of the party’s base in Keur Massar. The conflict is unfolding both politically and in the media, highlighting the increasing importance of internal positioning within the party.
