A long-time leading figure in Ousmane Sonko’s PASTEF party, Makane Diop, has resigned from all his positions, citing a concerning shift towards authoritarianism within the organization. Diop, a prominent member in the Mbour department and a key organizer for PASTEF in Nguékokh and Sindia, held multiple roles including deputy local coordinator and election coordinator. In a resignation letter, Diop expressed deep regret but stated his decision was final, explaining that the party has strayed from its founding principles of internal democracy, collegiality, and collective leadership. He alleges a growing concentration of power within the party’s leadership, transforming it from a forum for debate into a “personal possession.” Diop criticizes the weakening of internal bodies and the rise of a “cult of personality” around the party’s leader, replacing critical thinking with blind allegiance. His departure signals a significant fracture within PASTEF and a direct challenge to the party’s current direction.