Title: The “Sonkoriser” movement: when Pastef supporters seize the news
Introduction :
Since the dissolution of the movement of African Patriots of Senegal for work, ethics and fraternity (Pastef) and the incarceration of its leader, Ousmane Sonko, the party’s supporters have found a new way to make themselves heard: by ” sonkorisant” various cultural, sporting or everyday events. This strategy, which consists of seizing these opportunities to express their support for Sonko and demand his release, reflects both Pastef’s desire for survival and a well-thought-out organization. In this article, we will look at this phenomenon and its implications.
The concept of “Sonkoriser”:
The term “sonkoriser” has become popular in recent weeks in Senegal. It designates the action of Pastef supporters who take advantage of cultural, sporting or social gatherings to make their voice heard. Whether at concerts, football matches or even weddings, supporters of the movement stand out by singing slogans in favor of Sonko and expressing their support for his cause. These “sonkorized” moments are often filmed and shared on social networks, which contributes to their virality and their impact.
A survival strategy for Pastef:
Dissolved by the Senegalese authorities last July, Pastef found itself in a delicate situation. However, his supporters were able to react by adopting this strategy of “sonkorisation”. By taking advantage of cultural or sporting events, supporters of the movement manage to circumvent bans on gatherings and maintain their visibility. This strategy also allows them to remain mobilized and continue to defend the ideas of the party, despite its dissolution.
A well-thought-out organization:
The success of the “sonkorisation” strategy also lies in the well-thought-out organization of Pastef. The party masters communication tools and social networks, which allows it to coordinate its actions and mobilize its supporters effectively. This organizational capacity even extends to the diaspora, where supporters can mobilize more easily and freedoms of expression are less restricted. Thus, the movement manages to maintain a form of visibility despite the obstacles encountered.
Conclusion :
The “sonkorisation” strategy adopted by Pastef supporters demonstrates both their desire for survival and their organization. By taking over cultural, sporting or everyday events, they manage to maintain their voice and express their support for Ousmane Sonko, while circumventing the restrictions imposed by the authorities. This creative and mobilizing form of protest brings a new dimension to current events in Senegal, and underlines the importance of freedom of expression and mobilization in a tumultuous political context.