A prominent figure within Senegal’s Pastef party, Ibrahima Diam Sow, has announced his departure and pledged support for President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Sow, a former communication chief and key organizer for Pastef in the Podor department, cited deep disagreements with the party’s current direction as the reason for his defection. He criticized what he described as internal “contradictions” and a stifling of dissenting opinions within Pastef, led by Ousmane Sonko. Sow stated he no longer identifies with Pastef’s political project and now supports the Diomaye-Président coalition. He emphasized prioritizing national interests over party loyalty as the basis for his decision. Sow was instrumental in establishing Pastef’s presence in northern Senegal, including organizing Sonko’s first visit to the region in 2017. His departure represents a significant shift in the political landscape of Podor.