A French national has been held in detention in Senegal since February 14, facing serious charges including “acts against nature.” This development comes amidst a period where the nation has significantly intensified penalties for homosexual relations, as confirmed by diplomatic sources on Friday, May 15.

The individual, identified as an engineer in his thirties residing in Dakar, was arrested on February 14, 2026. The charges against him encompass “acts against nature,” “criminal association,” “money laundering,” and “attempted HIV transmission.” This arrest was part of a broader series of detentions, diplomatic officials stated.

French diplomatic representatives in Dakar are closely monitoring the situation of their compatriot. The French consulate has conducted four visits to the detainee as part of its consular protection mandate and maintains ongoing communication with his family. Similar efforts are being made by the Quai d’Orsay services in Paris.

Escalating arrests for alleged homosexuality

Senegal, a nation with a predominantly Muslim population, enacted a new law in early March that now mandates prison sentences of five to ten years for homosexual relations. This legislation was officially promulgated on March 31 by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

This new law emerges amid a climate of heightened homophobia across the country, characterized by a wave of arrests targeting individuals suspected of homosexuality. Same-sex relationships are widely viewed as a deviation in Senegal, and the toughening of their repression represents a long-standing and politically resonant commitment from the current ruling administration.

France reiterates its steadfast commitment to the universal and indivisible respect for human rights. It also reaffirms its dedication to the global decriminalization of homosexuality, the protection of LGBT+ individuals’ rights, and the ongoing fight against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, as conveyed by French diplomatic channels.