Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has forcefully rejected Western claims of human rights violations, branding them a form of “tyranny” aimed at “imposing homosexuality on the rest of the world.” Speaking before lawmakers on May 22, Sonko reaffirmed his government’s unwavering stance against any moratorium on the enforcement of the controversial legislation.

Enacted in late March by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye following parliamentary approval, the law significantly toughens penalties for same-sex relationships, which are already criminalized in Senegal. The move comes amid a palpable rise in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and a series of high-profile arrests linked to alleged homosexuality.

West accused of cultural imperialism through media control

“There exists a tyranny. Out of eight billion people, a small Western clique—despite internal divisions—wields disproportionate power through media dominance to push their agenda on the entire world,” Sonko declared. “On what grounds do they believe they can lecture us? They champion these practices in their own countries, but we refuse to accept their tutelage.”

The Prime Minister singled out France for criticism, stating, “If they have embraced these lifestyles, that is their prerogative. However, we will not heed their moralizing, especially when their own society remains deeply divided on the issue.”

He emphasized that no Asian, African, or Arab nation has criticized Senegal’s stance, reinforcing his argument that the law reflects a broader consensus beyond Western influence.

Government vows strict, impartial enforcement

Sonko insisted the justice system must apply the law with “total, impersonal, and flawless” rigor, asserting that its primary objective is to curb the “spread of homosexuality.” He warned that if further strengthening of the law is required, it will be done without hesitation.

Addressing calls for a moratorium from a coalition of African-descended intellectuals published in a French newspaper, Sonko dismissed the notion outright. “There will be no moratorium. Some of our elites suffer from inferiority complexes,” he stated bluntly.

In Senegal, same-sex relations are widely regarded as morally unacceptable, and the government’s hardline approach aligns with long-standing electoral promises that resonate with the electorate.