French national held in Senegal over alleged homosexuality

A French engineer, approximately thirty years old, has been held in detention in Senegal since his arrest on February 14th. The charges against him include “acts against nature” and “attempted HIV transmission.” This detention highlights the recently strengthened penalties for homosexual relations in Senegal.

A French national remains in custody in Senegal, facing charges primarily for “acts against nature” following his arrest on February 14th. This development occurs in a nation where laws penalizing homosexual relationships have seen recent intensification.

The individual, an engineer in his thirties residing in Dakar, was apprehended on February 14, 2026, amidst a series of arrests. The accusations against him encompass “acts against nature,” “criminal association,” “money laundering,” and “attempted HIV transmission.”

The French Embassy in Dakar is closely monitoring the compatriot’s situation. Consular officials have conducted four visits to him, providing essential protection, and maintain regular contact with his family. Similarly, the Quai d’Orsay services in Paris are also engaged in the case.

escalating arrests over alleged homosexuality in Senegal

Senegal, a nation with a Muslim majority, enacted a new law in early March that now imposes prison sentences of five to ten years for homosexual relations. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially promulgated this legislation on March 31st.

This legislative change unfolds against a backdrop of rising homophobia across the country and a surge in arrests targeting individuals suspected of homosexuality. In Senegal, same-sex relationships are widely viewed as a deviance, and the intensified repression aligns with a long-standing political promise from the ruling party.

France reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the universality and indivisibility of human rights. It advocates for the global decriminalization of homosexuality, champions the rights of LGBT+ individuals, and actively combats discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.