A prominent figure in Senegalese politics, Matar Ndiaga Seck, aged 51, has been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigations Division (DIC) over allegations of « acts against nature ».

His arrest follows a warrant issued by police in Linguère, a town in the northern Louga region. Investigators claim to have gathered substantial evidence linking him to a case involving the detention of at least twenty individuals across the Djoloff area.

At this juncture, Senegalese authorities have not disclosed specifics about the charges or the current status of the legal proceedings.

The legal terminology « acts against nature » refers to Article 319 of Senegal’s Penal Code, which criminalizes same-sex relations. This legislation has recently been reinforced by a new law passed on March 31, 2026, introducing harsher penalties—up to a decade in prison—and broadening the scope of offenses related to the « promotion » of same-sex relationships.

Since the enforcement of these stricter measures, over a hundred arrests have been documented nationwide. Notably, a French national has been held in detention in Senegal since February 14 in a comparable case, with STOP homophobie providing legal support through his counsel.

The organization has also launched an emergency response initiative for victims of persecution and violence in Senegal, receiving over 3,000 urgent requests through its international hotline.