The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering stance against homosexuality, vowing to enforce existing laws without compromise. Speaking in Dakar, he dismissed calls for a moratorium on prosecutions, declaring that the justice system would pursue cases to their conclusion. His remarks come as multiple high-profile figures linked to the prime minister’s office have been detained under allegations of same-sex relations.

Over the past three months, more than a hundred individuals have been arrested in Senegal on charges including “acts against nature” and, in some cases, deliberate transmission of HIV. The crackdown has intensified amid growing domestic and international criticism, including a recent open letter from African intellectuals urging the government to suspend enforcement of the controversial law.

no western lectures on morality

Ousmane Sonko forcefully rejected what he described as “a tyranny of the West,” accusing foreign powers of attempting to impose their values through media manipulation. “We will not accept lessons on morality from anyone,” he stated, framing the issue as a matter of national sovereignty and cultural integrity. His comments underscore a broader trend in West Africa, where governments are increasingly resisting external pressure on social and legal policies.

The Prime Minister also addressed Senegal’s economic challenges, highlighting a public debt nearing 119% of GDP. While acknowledging the country’s difficult financial situation, he defended the government’s economic recovery plan, pointing to improved tax collection as a key driver of financial progress. The announcement follows reassurances from Finance Minister Cheikh Diba, who confirmed that debt restructuring talks are underway and that negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will resume in early June.

The IMF discussions, stalled since October 2025 due to disagreements over debt restructuring, are expected to yield a new framework by June 30. Diba emphasized that the government is actively working to stabilize public finances, though the path forward remains fraught with economic and political challenges.