The Senegalese Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, delivered a fiery defense of his government’s policies during a heated parliamentary session on Friday, May 22, marking his fifth turn answering urgent questions since assuming office.

Lawmakers pressed him on the recently enacted legislation that significantly increases prison sentences for same-sex relationships. Over the past three months, authorities have detained more than a hundred individuals under the new law, prompting a wave of criticism from African intellectuals who publicly urged a delay in its enforcement through a joint statement on May 18.

Sonko dismissed any possibility of suspending the controversial law. Emphasizing his commitment to curbing what he described as the « troubling spread of homosexuality, » he called for an « absolute, impartial, and thorough » application of the statute. He stressed that no one would be exempt from its reach, hinting at recent high-profile arrests within his political circle.

Confronted with international condemnation, the Prime Minister pushed back forcefully against Western critiques, particularly targeting France. He condemned what he termed « the tyranny of the West, » accusing foreign powers of attempting to impose LGBTQ+ rights through global media control. « If they choose these practices, that is their concern, » he declared. « We will not accept lessons from anyone. » He even left the door open for further legal tightening, stating, « If the law requires strengthening, it will be strengthened. »