Pastef: A former political prisoner and youth leader leaves the party in favor of Kiiray

Aliou Cissé, former president of the Pastef party's youth wing in Château d'Eau and former political prisoner, has announced his support for Tahibou Diédhiou, former deputy mayor of Ziguinchor under Abdoulaye Baldé. Diédhiou, now a leading figure alongside President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye and Minister of the Armed Forces Yankhoba Diémé, has become Cissé's new leader.

The political landscape of Ziguinchor is undergoing another reshuffling. Aliou Cissé, a prominent figure among young activists, has decided to leave Pastef and join Tahibou Diédhiou, former deputy mayor of Ziguinchor under Abdoulaye Baldé (2009-2022). This alliance marks a significant step in the local political scene, where young leaders are playing a crucial role.

“We felt it was necessary for the president to embody a project that would lead Senegal toward emergence. That’s why we decided to align ourselves with him and support his project,” declared Aliou Cissé. According to him, Pastef’s initial promises did not stand the test of power: “At first, we believed in their project. But once in power, the realities did not meet our expectations. Today, the one who advocates for emergence is Bassirou Diomaye Faye.”

On the ground, the former Pastef youth leader intends to create mobilization cells to raise awareness among young people and foster broad support for the president's re-election in 2029. His choice to support Tahibou Diédhiou is motivated by the latter's constant commitment to the population: "Supporting him means supporting the opportunity and service of Ziguinchor."

Aliou Tamba, a member of the Kiraye party, welcomed this addition: "Having Aliou Cissé among us is a significant achievement. We have already seen what he has accomplished with his colleagues. If he decides to work alongside Tahibou Diédhiou and behind Minister Yankhoba Diémé, it will only strengthen our momentum."

This rallying illustrates a major political realignment in a strategic stronghold in the South, where engaged youth remain an essential lever for the electoral future.