As defections to Kiiraay grow among Pastef members, former minister Malick Gackou urges the party to uphold unity, discipline, and collective commitment to preserve the sovereign ideals that defined the movement under Ousmane Sonko’s leadership.
Unity under pressure: Gackou’s call to Pastef militants
With multiple Pastef officials and activists reportedly joining Kiiraay, the new political platform aligned with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Malick Gackou has issued a firm appeal to the party’s base. The former minister emphasized the critical need for cohesion, urging members to remain steadfast in their commitment to the movement’s founding principles and the vision of Ousmane Sonko.
In a direct message to « the Patriots », Gackou highlighted that discipline and unwavering loyalty to the party’s ideals are the cornerstones of its credibility. « Exemplarity is our greatest strength, » he declared, stressing that the actions of Pastef’s representatives will determine the project’s long-term success. His remarks come at a pivotal moment as the party navigates internal shifts while preparing for upcoming political challenges.
Defending sovereignist ambitions amid shifting alliances
Kiiraay, described by its founders as the presidential platform of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has attracted several former Pastef members. These defections reflect a broader trend of realignment within Senegal’s political landscape. Gackou’s intervention aims to counteract this momentum, reinforcing the message that Pastef’s strength lies in its unity and adherence to its original mission.
« To safeguard our sovereignist ambitions and consolidate President Sonko’s leadership, we must remain united and exemplary in our public service, dedicated to the development of our nation, » Gackou stated. His call underscores the urgency of maintaining focus despite internal turbulence, positioning Pastef as the steadfast guardian of its ideological roots.