Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing a recently passed law that strengthens penalties for same-sex relations. During a parliamentary session, he addressed criticism from Western nations regarding Senegal’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues.

The Prime Minister emphasized Senegal’s sovereignty, stating that the majority of Senegalese people oppose practices that contradict the country’s cultural and religious values.

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

Facing Western pressure

In response to criticism from some African elites, including Cameroonian lawyer Alice Nkom, Sonko dismissed calls for a moratorium on the law’s implementation. He warned against what he described as Western attempts to impose LGBTQ+ rights globally, regardless of local cultural and religious norms.

“There’s a kind of tyranny at work. The West, despite internal debates and despite representing a small fraction of the world’s population, uses its economic and media influence to impose its values on the rest of the world. Under what authority?” he questioned.

Sonko made it clear that no concessions would be made: “This law will be applied in full.”

Key provisions of Senegal’s anti-LGBTQ+ law

The National Assembly adopted Law No. 2026-08 on March 27, 2026, amending Article 319 of the Penal Code to toughen penalties for “unnatural acts.” The law provides a precise definition of such acts, increases penalties, and criminalizes advocacy and funding of these practices.

According to the legislation, an “unnatural act” is defined as:

• Any sexual act between persons of the same sex
• Any sexual act committed by a person of either sex on a human corpse or an animal

Violations are punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison and fines ranging from 2 million to 10 million West African CFA francs. The law also stipulates that additional penalties may apply in cases of rape or pedophilia.

The Prime Minister’s statements signal a firm stance in the face of international criticism, reaffirming Senegal’s commitment to maintaining its legal and cultural position on this issue.