Senegal’s anti-homosexuality law enforcement confirmed by Prime Minister Sonko

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has confirmed that the country will enforce its newly strengthened anti-homosexuality legislation.

Speaking before the National Assembly on May 22, 2026, during a session of oral questions, Sonko addressed growing criticism from Western governments regarding Senegal’s decision to increase penalties for same-sex acts.

The Prime Minister emphasized Senegal’s sovereignty, stating that the nation has the right to protect itself against practices that do not align with its societal values.

“The Senegalese people are sovereign. The vast majority do not want certain practices in Senegal,” Sonko declared.

“Western imposition” and “tyranny” claims

Sonko pushed back against criticism from African elites, including Cameroonian lawyer Alice Nkom, asserting that the National Assembly’s newly passed law will be fully implemented.

“There exists a form of tyranny. We are eight billion people in the world, yet a small group called the West—where debate remains unsettled—wields its influence through media control to impose homosexuality on the rest of the globe. Under what authority?” he questioned.

He categorically dismissed any possibility of a moratorium following the law’s enactment, declaring, “This law will be enforced.”

The National Assembly adopted Law No. 2026-08 on March 27, 2026, amending Article 319 of the 1965 Penal Code to increase penalties for “acts against nature.”

The updated legislation provides a clearer definition of “acts against nature,” including same-sex sexual acts, and imposes stricter punishments. It also criminalizes advocacy and financial support for such acts.

According to the new law, “any sexual act between two individuals of the same sex constitutes an act against nature.” Additionally, “any sexual act committed with a human corpse or an animal” is also classified as such.

Violators face imprisonment ranging from five to ten years and fines between 2,000,000 and 10,000,000 West African CFA francs, with no prejudice to harsher penalties for cases involving rape or pedophilia.