In early March, Senegal passed a law doubling penalties for same-sex relations, increasing prison sentences to five to ten years. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye ratified the legislation on March 31.

Rejection of foreign criticism

Addressing lawmakers, Sonko dismissed international condemnation, particularly from France, and ruled out any moratorium on enforcement. This stance followed a mid-May appeal from over thirty prominent figures of African descent published in a leading French newspaper, warning of a “climate of fear, hatred, and violence” emerging since the law’s passage.

“Eradicating the ‘spread’ (sic) of homosexuality”

The Prime Minister instead urged the judiciary to apply the law “fully and rigorously,” framing the crackdown as necessary to curb homosexuality. While this rhetoric resonates with many in Senegal, it risks deepening societal divisions, encouraging denunciations, and fueling violence. Regardless of differing cultural perspectives, upholding human dignity and protecting individuals from persecution should remain universal priorities.