Senegal’s tough anti-homosexuality law to be enforced, Sonko says
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has declared that the recently amended law criminalizing homosexuality will be strictly enforced across the country. Speaking during a parliamentary session on May 22, 2026, Sonko addressed domestic and international reactions to the legislation, emphasizing Senegal’s sovereignty in shaping its legal framework.
The Prime Minister dismissed criticisms from Western nations and certain African elites, framing the law as a necessary protection of Senegalese values and societal norms. “The Senegalese people are sovereign. The vast majority of them reject such practices in our country,” Sonko stated, underscoring public sentiment against homosexuality.
Confronting “western tyranny” on homosexuality
Sonko’s remarks came in response to growing international pressure, including from figures like Cameroonian lawyer Alice Nkom, who has advocated for the repeal of anti-homosexuality laws in Africa. The Prime Minister condemned what he described as a “tyranny” by Western powers attempting to impose their views globally.
“There are eight billion people in the world, but a small group called the West, where the debate isn’t settled, yet because of their wealth and control over media, they want to impose homosexuality on the rest of the world. On what grounds?” Sonko questioned. He firmly rejected any possibility of a moratorium, declaring, “This law will be applied.”
Key provisions of Senegal’s amended law
The legislation, adopted by the National Assembly on March 27, 2026, modifies Article 319 of the Penal Code to broaden the definition of “unnatural acts” and increase penalties. The amendments include:
- Expanding the definition of unnatural acts to include any sexual act between individuals of the same sex.
- Criminalizing apologia and financing of such acts.
- Increasing prison sentences from five to ten years and fines ranging from 2 million to 10 million West African CFA francs.
- Mandating harsher penalties in cases involving rape or pedophilia.
The law also explicitly includes acts committed on corpses or animals as unnatural acts, further tightening legal restrictions.
The Prime Minister’s stance reflects Senegal’s commitment to upholding traditional values while navigating a complex international landscape. The enforcement of this law marks a significant development in the country’s legal and social framework, setting a precedent for future policy decisions.
