A significant legal development is unfolding in Sénégal following the apprehension of Matar Ndiaga Seck, a 51-year-old political figure widely recognized for his close ties to Ousmane Sonko and influential power circles. The Division des investigations criminelles (DIC) carried out the operation, acting on an arrest warrant issued by police services in Linguère, located in the northern part of the country.

Sources familiar with the investigation reveal that this detention is part of a broader inquiry into matters concerning the criminalization of homosexuality. Investigators have cited corroborating evidence gathered from a series of arrests already conducted in the Djoloff region, where approximately twenty individuals have been taken into custody under the same ongoing investigations.

At present, judicial authorities have not released any official statement detailing the specific allegations or the exact legal classifications of the offenses. Investigations are actively continuing, with a particular focus on analyzing seized digital data, including the contents of a mobile phone, which, according to some reports, could prove pivotal in guiding the direction of the inquiry.

This incident occurs within a particularly sensitive period in Sénégal, marked by a recent tightening of the legal framework governing same-sex relationships. A new law, enacted on March 31, 2026, has reinforced existing provisions under Article 319 of the Penal Code, notably expanding infractions to include the concept of “promotion” of homosexuality. Penalties for such offenses can now extend to up to ten years of imprisonment.

The legislative reinforcement has drawn considerable criticism from human rights organizations. They contend that it has led to an increase in arrests and fostered an increasingly repressive environment for individuals who identify as, or are perceived to be, LGBT. According to these organizations, more than a hundred arrests have been recorded since the new legal measures came into effect.

In light of these developments, some non-governmental organizations are also highlighting the political sensitivity inherent in several ongoing cases, particularly when those implicated are associated with circles close to the government or administration. Nevertheless, they urge caution, emphasizing that individual culpability must be established through due legal process rather than through speculation.

Furthermore, human rights advocacy groups confirm they are monitoring other similar cases, including that of a foreign national who has been detained for several months in connection with a comparable matter. They also report receiving numerous requests for assistance through their support channels.

For the moment, Sénégalese authorities have not offered any additional details regarding this ongoing procedure. The progression of the investigation will hinge on the outcomes of judicial inquiries and the evidence presented before the competent courts in the coming weeks.