Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing a newly strengthened law against homosexuality.

Speaking before the National Assembly on May 22, 2026, during a parliamentary session addressing current affairs, Mr. Sonko addressed growing international criticism—particularly from Western nations—regarding Senegal’s decision to increase penalties for acts considered “against nature.”

He emphasized that Senegal remains a sovereign nation guided by its cultural and societal values, which do not condone such practices.

“The Senegalese people are sovereign. The vast majority of our citizens firmly reject these behaviors within our borders,” Sonko stated, underscoring the government’s unwavering stance.

Resisting Western pressure on LGBTQ+ issues

In response to criticism from certain African leaders—including prominent activist Alice Nkom—Sonko rejected what he described as an attempt by the West to impose its values on Africa through economic and media influence.

“There is a form of tyranny at play. The world has eight billion people, yet a small group in the West—where the debate is far from settled—uses its financial and media dominance to push homosexuality on the rest of the globe. On what grounds?” he questioned.

Sonko categorically ruled out any possibility of a moratorium or delay in implementing the law once enacted. “This law will be enforced,” he declared with conviction.

The National Assembly had previously adopted Law No. 2026-08 on March 27, 2026, amending Article 319 of the Penal Code (Law No. 65-60 of July 21, 1965), to further criminalize “acts against nature.”

The updated legislation expands the definition of such acts, increases penalties, and criminalizes their advocacy or financing.

According to the new law, “any sexual act or behavior of a sexual nature between individuals of the same sex” constitutes an act against nature. It also includes sexual acts involving a human corpse or an animal.

Under the law, those found guilty of such acts face imprisonment ranging from five to ten years and fines between 2,000,000 and 10,000,000 West African CFA francs. These penalties apply regardless of whether the offense involves rape or pedophilia.