Senegal’s tough new anti-homosexuality law to be strictly enforced

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has publicly confirmed that Senegal’s newly strengthened legislation against homosexuality will be fully implemented without exception. The Prime Minister made this declaration during a parliamentary session where deputies questioned government policies.

The controversial law, which was approved by Senegal’s National Assembly earlier this year, significantly increases penalties for acts described as “against nature” in the country’s legal code.

Sonko emphasized that Senegal remains a sovereign nation with the right to uphold values that align with its cultural and social norms, stating that “the Senegalese people are sovereign. The vast majority do not want certain practices in Senegal.”

The Prime Minister’s comments came in response to international criticism, particularly from Western countries, regarding the law’s harsh provisions. He accused Western powers of attempting to impose their views on African nations through what he called “a form of tyranny.”

Lawmakers adopt stricter penalties

The National Assembly approved Law No. 2026-08 on March 27, 2026, which amends Article 319 of Senegal’s penal code (Law No. 65-60 of July 21, 1965). The revisions introduce harsher sentences for “acts against nature,” including:

• Redefining “acts against nature” to include any sexual act between individuals of the same gender
• Expanding the definition to include sexual acts with corpses or animals
• Instituting penalties of 5 to 10 years imprisonment and fines ranging from 2 to 10 million CFA francs
• Adding provisions for criminalizing advocacy and financing of such acts

Sonko made clear that no moratorium would be considered following the law’s promulgation, declaring firmly, “This law will be applied.”

Sovereignty vs. international pressure

The Prime Minister’s remarks highlighted the growing divide between Senegal’s position and Western expectations. He argued that while the West debates the issue internally, it attempts to impose its views globally using its media dominance and economic leverage.

“There exists a form of tyranny,” Sonko stated. “We are eight billion people in the world, yet a small Western nucleus, despite internal divisions, seeks to impose homosexuality on the rest of humanity. But on what grounds?”

The government’s position reflects a broader trend in West Africa where several nations have recently strengthened laws against homosexuality amid international criticism.