CITY, Senegal — Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has fiercely defended the country’s new law that imposes stricter penalties for same-sex relations, accusing Western nations of attempting to impose their values on the rest of the world.
The law, signed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in March 2026, doubles the maximum prison sentence for same-sex relations from one to five years to five to 10 years. It also criminalizes the financing of same-sex relationships and the “glorification of unnatural acts. “Sonko, addressing lawmakers on May 22, 2026, dismissed international criticism, particularly from France, as irrelevant. “.
If they have opted for these practices, it’s their problem, but we don’t have any lessons to take from them, absolutely none, “he. He also claimed that no Asian, African, or Arab country criticizes Senegal, contrasting the stance of the West.
The legislation has sparked a wave of arrests across the country, with the African Human Rights Commission (AHRC) reporting dozens of individuals detained under the new law. Despite the criticism, Sonko’s defense of the law has found support among some Senegalese citizens who hold conservative social values.
The new law reflects a broader cultural sentiment in Senegal, where same — sex relationships are widely viewed as unnatural and incompatible with local values.
However, the international community’s muted response to the law has raised concerns about the effectiveness of global human rights advocacy.
As Senegal grapples with the implications of its new anti — gay law, the debate over LGBTQ+ rights continues to stir controversy within the nation and on the global stage. Sonko’s accusations of Western tyranny have only deepened the divide, leaving the fate of LGBTQ+ individuals in Senegal hanging in the balance.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
