Matar Ndiaga Seck’s arrest in Senegal: background of the controversy

A 51-year-old Senegalese political figure, Matar Ndiaga Seck, widely described in local media as a close associate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has been detained by the Criminal Investigations Division (DIC) on suspicion of involvement in « acts against nature ».

The arrest follows a warrant issued by police authorities in Linguère, located in the Louga region of northern Senegal. Investigators cite corroborating evidence linking the case to the detention of at least twenty individuals in the Djoloff area.

So far, Senegalese officials have not disclosed specific details regarding the alleged offenses or the current status of the legal proceedings.

The term « acts against nature » refers to Article 319 of the Senegalese Penal Code, which criminalizes same-sex relationships. In a significant legislative move, Senegal enacted a stricter anti-homosexuality law on March 31, 2026, increasing penalties to up to ten years in prison and broadening the scope of offenses related to the « promotion » of same-sex relations.

Since the implementation of this harsher legal framework, more than a hundred arrests have been reported across the country. A French national has also been held in Senegal since February 14 in a related case. STOP homophobie is coordinating with the detained individual’s legal representative.

The organization has launched an emergency support campaign for victims of violence and persecution in Senegal, with the international hotline receiving over 3,000 requests for assistance.