Combining social action with political commitment: that is the successful gamble made by Habiboulah Fall at the Varedo Health Post in Mbour. On the sidelines of a day of screening for women’s cancers that drew 500 women, the official made his membership of the Kiiray party (Les patriotes républicains) official, in the presence of the Minister and Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic, Ousmane Abdoulaye Barro.

By Alioune Badara CISS – The Varedo Health Post hosted a major day of screening for women’s cancers this weekend. The event was a resounding success, with 500 women seen, far exceeding the initial target of 300. Taking advantage of the large turnout, Habiboulah Fall took a decisive step by officially entering the local political scene under the colours of the Kiiray party (Les patriotes républicains). Welcoming this enthusiasm, the organiser saw it as a sign of solid popular support: “It is true that screening is a health activity, but through this mobilisation, I see a desire to stand behind a man who is one of their own on a new path he has chosen to forge,” he said, alongside the Minister and Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic, Ousmane Abdoulaye Barro, who had come to support the move.

Following in Mbour’s tradition

Addressing the people of Mbour, Habiboulah Fall was keen to place his commitment under the banner of respect for elders and historical continuity. He invoked the memory of leading political figures of the commune and the department such as Demba Diop, Caroline Faye, Niadiar Sène, Abdou Mané, Moussa Ndoye, François Bob and Ousmane Tanor Dieng. “In my new commitment, I do not intend to do any less than these personalities. I hope that in the years to come, when the political history of our commune and our department is told, my name will feature prominently,” he said. He also expressed his gratitude to Minister Abdoulaye Ousmane Barro for his support, while reaching out to all the local stakeholders.

Humility, work and organisation

Asked about possible ambitions for the next municipal elections, Mr Fall played the restraint card, judging the debate premature.

Keen to respect the discipline and hierarchy of his new party, he set out his line of conduct: “My action will be grounded in humility, patience and work. It is work that pays off. I am not entering politics to take up space, but to be useful to my commune, my department and my country.” To establish himself successfully within the Kiiraay party, Habiboulah Fall intends to structure his action around four main areas: expanding the ranks, commitment to local development, rallying citizens around what matters most and preparing for future electoral victories.

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