PASTEF explained: Sonko's party
Updated 19 May 2026
What PASTEF is: full name and meaning, founding, ideology, the 2023 dissolution and its reversal, and the landslide 2024 legislative victory under Ousmane Sonko.
PASTEF is the political party led by Ousmane Sonko. Its full name is Patriotes africains du Sénégal pour le travail, l’éthique et la fraternité — the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity — usually shortened to the Patriots of Senegal. It was founded in January 2014.[1]
Ideology
PASTEF positions itself as left-nationalist, sovereigntist and pan-Africanist, with anti-corruption at the centre of its message and strong opposition to the CFA franc currency arrangement.[1] Beyond Sonko as its leader, Ayib Daffé serves as the party’s secretary-general.[1]
Dissolution and reversal
On 31 July 2023, Macky Sall’s government dissolved PASTEF. The dissolution decree was later repealed on 27 March 2024, after the political transition that brought the party’s allies to power.[1]
The 2024 landslide
In the legislative elections of 17 November 2024, PASTEF won 130 of the 165 seats in the National Assembly — described as the largest parliamentary majority in Senegal since 1988.[2] That result gave the party effective control of the legislature.
For the wider story of how the party’s leader rose to power, see Who is Ousmane Sonko? Biography.
Frequently asked questions
- What does PASTEF stand for?
- PASTEF stands for Patriotes africains du Sénégal pour le travail, l'éthique et la fraternité — the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity, often shortened to Patriots of Senegal.
- Who leads PASTEF?
- Ousmane Sonko leads PASTEF; Ayib Daffé serves as its secretary-general.
- Was PASTEF ever banned?
- Yes. Macky Sall's government dissolved PASTEF on 31 July 2023; the dissolution decree was repealed on 27 March 2024.
Sources
- PASTEF — Wikipedia
- Senegal's ruling PASTEF party secures large majority in parliament — Al Jazeera