The Coordination of Democratic and Social Actors (CODES) has formally aligned with the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics, and Fraternity (Pastef) in response to what it describes as a critical threat to the nation’s social transformation agenda.
The decision, outlined in an official statement from CODES’ governing body, highlights concerns over the Projet de transformation sociale led by Ousmane Sonko. The group warns that this initiative is under siege by forces allegedly sidelining the architects of the March 25, 2024, patriotic revolution—a movement Sonko himself guided. The communiqué frames this as an existential challenge to Sonko’s leadership and the broader project’s survival.
a shared vision for Senegal’s future
This strategic alignment mirrors the rhetoric Sonko has consistently promoted, including his concept of a ‘bloc populaire’—a people-powered movement capable of seizing political power while reshaping the state. CODES’ endorsement reinforces this narrative, positioning the preservation of the social project as a national priority.
urgent calls for unity and mobilization
In an impassioned plea, CODES urges Senegal’s youth and citizens to rally behind Sonko, framing this moment as decisive for the country’s trajectory. The organization extends its appeal beyond its ranks, calling on all democratic forces to rejoin Pastef in large numbers to ensure the project’s success. The tone underscores a sense of urgency, with the communiqué demanding supporters return ‘by the hundreds, thousands, and millions.’
The announcement follows a period of intensified mobilization by Sonko, who has crisscrossed Senegal in recent weeks, including a high-profile visit to Mbacké. During that stop, he urged local leaders to set aside internal divisions ahead of the 2029 presidential election—a sign of the mounting polarization within the political landscape.
The merger with Pastef signals a counter-movement to recent defections, where several party members abandoned the party to align with the incumbent administration. This realignment deepens the political divides shaping Senegal’s evolving democratic experiment.
