French national detained in Senegal amidst anti-lgbt+ law enforcement

A French national has been held in detention in Senegal since February 14, 2026, facing charges that notably include “unnatural acts.” This arrest follows a significant hardening of Senegal’s legislation against homosexual relations in March, which now carries potential prison sentences of up to ten years. French diplomatic representatives in Dakar are closely monitoring the situation.

The individual has been behind bars in Senegal for two months. Reports indicate the French citizen was apprehended on February 14, 2026, and charged with “unnatural acts, criminal association, money laundering, and attempted HIV transmission.” This detention occurred amidst a series of arrests targeting individuals suspected of homosexuality, reflecting a broader wave of homophobia sweeping across the nation.

Senegal’s tightened anti-lgbt+ legislation draws international criticism

Senegal’s updated legal framework, enacted in March, imposes severe penalties for same-sex relations, ranging from five to ten years imprisonment. Illustrating the law’s impact, a young Senegalese man received a six-year sentence in April after being found engaging in a sexual act with another man in the Dakar suburbs. Regarding the detained French national, our embassy in Dakar is diligently following the case. Consular officials have conducted four visits to provide protection and maintain close communication with the individual’s family, as do services at the Quai d’Orsay in Paris.

In Senegal, a predominantly Muslim nation, same-sex relationships are widely viewed as a deviation. The current ruling administration has long advocated for stricter enforcement against such acts, a stance that resonates strongly with a segment of the electorate. Upon the law’s promulgation by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemned it as a clear violation of human rights.

France has voiced its deep concern regarding the increased severity of penalties for LGBT+ individuals in Senegal, alongside the introduction of new offenses related to the promotion or funding of homosexuality. French authorities reiterate their unwavering commitment to the universal and indivisible nature of human rights. They advocate for the global decriminalization of homosexuality, champion the rights of LGBT+ individuals, and actively combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.