A 30-year-old French national working as an engineer in Dakar has been arrested during a sweeping wave of detentions in the city, facing charges that include unnatural acts, criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and attempted HIV transmission under Senegal‘s penal code.

Diplomatic response

The French Embassy in Dakar has confirmed it is actively monitoring the case, emphasizing close coordination with both the detainee’s family and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Consular officials have conducted four documented visits to ensure the individual’s rights are upheld under international protection standards.

Legal backdrop

Since early March, Senegal has enforced stricter legislation penalizing same-sex relations with up to a decade behind bars. This legislative shift comes amid rising public debate over LGBTQ+ rights in the country. France has reiterated its long-standing position supporting the decriminalization of homosexuality worldwide and combating discrimination based on sexual orientation.