• A French citizen has been held in detention in Senegal since February 14, facing charges that include “acts against nature.”
• Senegal significantly strengthened its legislation against homosexual relations in March, making them punishable by up to ten years in prison.
• The French Embassy in Dakar is closely monitoring the evolving situation.

A French national has been held in custody in Senegal for two months now. This individual was arrested on February 14, 2026, on multiple charges, including “acts against nature,” association of criminals, money laundering, and attempting to transmit HIV. This detention occurred amidst a broader series of arrests targeting individuals suspected of homosexuality, reflecting a growing wave of homophobia across the country. 

Human rights concerns over Senegal anti-LGBT law

In March, Senegal enacted stricter laws concerning same-sex relations, increasing potential prison sentences to between five and ten years. This legislative change has already had tangible consequences; in April, a young Senegalese man received a six-year prison sentence after being apprehended in Dakar’s suburbs during a sexual encounter with another man. The French Embassy in Dakar has confirmed it is diligently following the situation of its detained compatriot. Consular services have conducted four visits to the individual as part of their protective duties and maintain close contact with the detainee’s family, a sentiment echoed by officials at the Quai d’Orsay in Paris.

In Senegal, a predominantly Muslim nation, same-sex relationships are widely viewed as a deviation. The government’s move to intensify their repression aligns with a long-standing political pledge that resonates strongly with a significant portion of the populace. Earlier, upon the law’s promulgation by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, unequivocally denounced the legislation, stating it “flouts” fundamental human rights.

The spokesperson for the Quai d’Orsay has articulated significant apprehension regarding the escalation of penalties for LGBT+ individuals in Senegal. Furthermore, concern was expressed over the introduction of new offenses related to the promotion or financing of homosexuality. France consistently reiterates its unwavering commitment to the universal and indivisible respect for human rights. The nation also stands firm in its advocacy for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality, the protection of LGBT+ individuals’ rights, and the vigorous combat against discrimination rooted in sexual orientation and gender identity.