Prime Minister Sonko accuses Western powers of cultural imperialism

During an impassioned speech to lawmakers, Ousmane Sonko described Western pressure on Senegal’s legal stance regarding homosexuality as a form of cultural tyranny. He emphasized that while Western nations leverage economic power and media control, they should not dictate moral and legal standards for Africa. « There are eight billion people in the world, yet a small group called the West—because of its resources and media dominance—attempts to impose its will on the rest of humanity », Sonko declared.

New law doubles prison sentences for same-sex relations

Adopted in early March, Senegal’s revised penal code now prescribes prison terms of up to ten years for individuals convicted of same-sex relations—up from the previous maximum of five years. The legislation was signed into law by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on March 31. In his remarks, Sonko categorically dismissed any possibility of suspending or freezing the law’s enforcement.

Debate intensifies over cultural sovereignty

Same-sex relations remain a deeply polarizing issue in Senegal, a predominantly Muslim West African nation where religious, societal, and political norms strongly oppose LGBTQ+ rights. While human rights organizations have condemned the new law as a violation of fundamental freedoms, its supporters argue that it upholds Senegal’s cultural and religious values. The government maintains that its legal decisions are made in full respect of national sovereignty, regardless of external criticism.