French engineer detained in Senegal amid lgbtq+ rights crackdown

A French national in his early thirties has been taken into custody in Dakar as part of a sweeping crackdown on same-sex relations in Senegal.

According to consular sources, the man—an engineer who has been living in the country for several years—faces charges including unnatural acts, criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and attempted transmission of HIV. The allegations stem from an ongoing operation targeting individuals suspected of violating local laws regarding LGBTQ+ conduct.

Consular intervention and diplomatic response

French diplomatic missions in Dakar have confirmed they are closely monitoring the case. Representatives from the French consulate have already conducted four visits to the detainee under consular protection protocols. Authorities in Paris have also maintained direct contact with the man’s relatives and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ensuring both legal and humanitarian oversight of the situation.

Senegal’s legal shift and regional implications

In early March, Senegal passed stricter legislation that now imposes up to a decade in prison for same-sex relationships. This legislative change arrives amid rising public debate and heightened scrutiny of LGBTQ+ rights across the region. Paris has reiterated its long-standing position advocating for the global decriminalization of homosexuality and the elimination of discriminatory practices.