Codes pastef alliance aims to safeguard Senegal’s transformative agenda

The Coordinating Committee for Democratic Alternatives (CODES) has formally announced its merger with Pastef, the party led by Ousmane Sonko, citing an urgent need to protect the nation’s social transformation project from external interference. The decision follows what the movement describes as a deliberate attempt to sideline the architects of the March 25, 2024 revolutionary shift, with Sonko himself identified as the primary target of these alleged maneuvers.

In a sharply worded statement, CODES underscored the gravity of the political climate, framing the preservation of the Projet de transformation sociale as a non-negotiable imperative for Senegal’s future. The language mirrors recent doctrinal speeches by Sonko, who has repeatedly warned about the risks of revolutionary movements gaining power without fundamentally reshaping the state apparatus. The merger signals a strategic consolidation to prevent what CODES terms the « usurpation » of the people’s mandate.

Beyond structural alignment, the coalition is rallying supporters to mobilize en masse—urging youth, civil society, and allied democratic forces to « return by the hundreds, thousands, and millions » to Pastef’s ranks. The call to unity comes at a critical juncture, as Sonko intensifies nationwide tours ahead of the 2029 presidential election, including a recent stop in Mbacké where he stressed unity among local leaders to overcome internal divisions.

The announcement also highlights a contrasting trend within Senegal’s political landscape: while CODES and Pastef strengthen their alliance, recent defections from Pastef to rival factions underscore the deepening polarization gripping the country’s electoral and governance debates.