A French national has been held in detention in Senegal since February 14, facing accusations including “unnatural acts,” in a nation where penalties for same-sex relationships have recently been intensified. This information was confirmed on Friday, May 15, by a diplomatic official.

The French citizen, an engineer in his early thirties residing in Dakar, was apprehended on February 14, 2026, during a series of arrests. He faces charges of “unnatural acts,” criminal association, money laundering, and attempted HIV transmission. Our embassy in Dakar is closely monitoring the situation of our compatriot. The consulate has conducted four visits to provide consular protection and maintains regular contact with his family, as do the services of the Quai d’Orsay in Paris.

The French embassy in Dakar is closely monitoring the situation of our compatriot. Our consulate has conducted four visits to provide consular protection and maintains regular contact with his family, as do the services of the Quai d’Orsay in Paris.

Series of arrests for presumed homosexuality

Senegal, a predominantly Muslim nation, enacted a new law in early March, which was formally promulgated on March 31 by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This legislation now imposes prison sentences ranging from five to ten years for homosexual relations.

This legal change occurs amidst a rising wave of homophobia across the country and a succession of arrests targeting individuals suspected of homosexuality. In Senegal, same-sex relationships are widely viewed as a deviance, and the government’s long-standing commitment to stricter penalties holds significant political weight in the nation.

France reaffirms its dedication to the universal and indivisible respect for human rights, advocating for the global decriminalization of homosexuality, the protection of LGBT+ individuals’ rights, and the fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.