With legislative elections fast approaching, Senegal’s political landscape is witnessing a significant shift as prominent opposition figures defect to the ruling Pastef party led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
Among the most notable converts is Adji Mbergane Kanouté, former vice-president of the Benno Bokk Yakaar parliamentary group, who recently announced her allegiance to Pastef.
This wave of defections has sparked controversy, raising questions about political cohesion and the integrity of both the opposition and Pastef itself.
Observers view these moves as a sign of deep-rooted challenges within Senegal’s opposition, which has struggled with internal unity and leadership since the departure of President Macky Sall.
High-profile figures like former Justice Minister Malik Fall have publicly severed ties with their previous affiliations to endorse Sonko’s leadership, leading many to speculate about the opposition’s ability to maintain its relevance on the national stage.
The Pastef’s welcoming of new allies is not without tension.
The party, known for its criticism of political “transhumance”—the opportunistic switching of political allegiances—finds itself in a delicate position.
In 2024, Sonko himself denounced this practice, vowing that Pastef would reject those tainted by questionable governance.
However, the party now appears more open to collaborations with those claiming genuine support for its agenda.
This shift has left some core supporters wary, viewing it as a potential compromise of the party’s founding principles.
Many of these new supporters have faced legal challenges, including travel bans, leading to speculation that their alignment with Pastef may be motivated by a desire for legal protection.
Critics argue that the party’s pursuit of a parliamentary majority may come at the cost of its integrity, potentially eroding the trust of voters who supported Sonko on a platform of justice and transparency.
The Alliance for the Republic (APR), now in opposition, has accused Pastef of exploiting the judicial system to coerce defections.
Although these allegations remain unproven, they have intensified public scrutiny of the ethical dynamics shaping Senegalese politics.
As Pastef navigates this delicate balancing act, the coming weeks will reveal whether its pursuit of power can coexist with the ideals of accountability and reform that have defined its rise.
