The Senegalese Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has sharply criticized what he terms as Western “tyranny” attempting to “impose homosexuality” across the globe. Speaking before national legislators, he firmly dismissed any possibility of a moratorium on enforcing the newly enacted law that doubles prison sentences for same-sex relationships in this Muslim-majority West African country.

“There exists a form of tyranny,” Sonko declared. “With eight billion people worldwide, a small Western bloc—despite internal divisions—leverages its media dominance to impose its agenda on the rest of the planet. On what grounds?” he questioned, highlighting growing criticism from abroad, particularly from France, following the law’s passage. “If they have chosen these practices, that is their affair. We will accept no lessons from them—absolutely none,” he asserted.

No moratorium on enforcement

Rejecting Western demands for a moratorium, Sonko stated, “While Western powers seek to dictate terms, no Asian, African, or Arab nation has criticized our stance.” He emphasized that should the law require further strengthening, it would be done. The Prime Minister urged the judiciary to ensure “full, impartial, and rigorous” enforcement, emphasizing that the legislation’s primary objective is to “halt the spread of homosexuality.”

A collective of thirty African-origin personalities published a mid-May op-ed in a French newspaper urging a moratorium on the law’s application, citing a climate of “fear, hatred, and violence” they claim has gripped Senegal since its passage. Sonko dismissed their appeal outright, accusing segments of the local elite of harboring inferiority complexes. “There will be no moratorium,” he declared.

Same-sex relationships remain socially condemned in Senegal, and the recent legal crackdown aligns with long-standing political promises from the ruling camp, resonating strongly with the electorate.