Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR) – The Pastef party on Saturday convened a series of meetings involving its Political Bureau, deputies, local elected officials, departmental coordinators, National Movement committees, and the supreme regulatory authority for political indoctrination, among other entities. The meetings were the first since Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected president on March 24. (Feat. Picture).

According to insiders, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, with assistance from Ousmane Sonko, presided over the discussions, which covered various topics such as supporting the party’s activities, constructing a Pastef headquarters, selecting party members for senior state and parastatal management positions, and party restructuring.

During the meetings, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko proposed that Bassirou Diomaye Faye be named the party’s honorary president, following Faye’s resignation as Secretary General after taking his oath as Senegal’s fifth president on April 2.

Acknowledging the challenges of selecting party members for leadership positions in the state machinery, Sonko emphasized the need for rigor and impartiality in the selection process. He also stressed the importance of training members, especially in communication, to maintain a strong connection with grassroots supporters.

Faye emphasized that future appointees must not only be competent but also contribute to the party’s financial resources by raising funds for the construction of the party headquarters and financing its activities.

The conference also discussed the possibility of holding a congress to begin Pastef’s restructuring, with Sonko cautioning against allowing latecomers to the party to participate.

However, the conference has not been without criticism. Senegalese journalist and political commentator Adama Sow criticized Pastef for what he perceives as breaking its pledges made while in opposition. He questioned the decision to reinstate Diomaye in the party and to propose him as honorary president, as well as the construction of a party headquarters at the start of Faye’s presidential term.

Sow warned against practices that might compromise the party’s integrity, suggesting that Pastef may be following the footsteps of earlier administrations in requiring financial contributions from appointees to high posts.

The conference highlights the challenges and complexities faced by Pastef as it navigates its transition from opposition to a governing party, with the need to balance party loyalty, competence, and financial integrity.