In Ziguinchor, the facade of unity within Pastef has finally shattered. What were once hushed rivalries have evolved into a visible political confrontation. At the heart of this local crisis are two key figures: the city’s mayor, Djibril Sonko, and his deputy, Bassirou Coly. Their escalating power struggle is now causing ripples of anxiety throughout the party’s upper echelons.
As the primary stronghold for Ousmane Sonko, the political climate in Ziguinchor is being described as a ticking time bomb. Despite official efforts to project a united front, internal fractures are deepening, casting doubt on the party’s ability to maintain its grip on the southern region. The tension peaked during a political assembly held in Soucoupapaye. While the event was meant to mobilize the grassroots and prepare for future electoral battles, it quickly veered off course.
With national and local figures like Toussaint Manga and Professor Alassane Diédhiou in attendance, the speeches delivered exposed a blatant rivalry. On one side, supporters of the mayor highlighted his institutional legitimacy and his record in office. On the other, a faction led by Bassirou Coly began advocating for a change in leadership, even suggesting a challenge for the mayoralty in the next local elections.
A fragile alliance under scrutiny
The core of the dispute centers on the future control of the Ziguinchor municipality. During the discussions, Bassirou Coly made his intentions clear, expressing a desire to lead the city while maintaining that he would ultimately respect the party’s final decision.
In response, Mayor Djibril Sonko stood by his administration’s achievements. He dismissed the criticisms leveled against him and emphasized his deep roots within the community. Without naming his detractors directly, he cautioned that internal bickering should not be allowed to derail the development projects currently underway in the city.
These public exchanges have laid bare the animosity that has been brewing within the local party branches for months. Personal ambitions and competing visions for the city’s future have now moved from the shadows into the spotlight.
For the militants on the ground, this development is a worrying sign. As Pastef works to solidify its influence in its most symbolic bastion, these divisions could severely hamper its political momentum. The stakes extend far beyond the local council; Ziguinchor serves as a vital indicator of the party’s strength in the south. Local leaders are already warning that any setback in this strategic city could have dire consequences for the 2027 local elections and, eventually, the 2029 presidential race. While some call for strict party discipline, the rivalry between the two camps shows no signs of cooling down.