Senegal prosecutes 71 men in anti-gay crackdown

Senegalese authorities have intensified their crackdown on homosexual practices, with the public prosecutor's office announcing that 71 men will face trial for alleged "acts against nature." This marks the latest development in the stricter enforcement of laws criminalizing same-sex relationships in the country.

The accused were arrested in recent months and referred to the judiciary after initial investigations concluded. The public prosecutor's office stated that charges were dropped against 28 other defendants.

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acts against nature

These actions follow Senegal's adoption of a new law in March that increased penalties for what the law terms "acts against nature." The prison sentence for homosexual relations now ranges from five to ten years. The law also broadened the scope of criminalization to include promoting or financing such practices.

Senegalese authorities have apprehended over 100 individuals in recent months in connection with suspected homosexual relationships, including locally prominent figures. This intensified enforcement of new legislation is evident.

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acts against nature

Some initial cases included charges of "endangering the lives of others" and "intentional transmission of HIV." However, the prosecution clarified that these charges were dropped during ongoing investigations.

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endangering the lives of others

In a separate case related to the same campaign, Prosecutor General Saliou Diko informed Agence France-Presse that a French engineer in his thirties, residing in Senegal, had charges dropped against him. He had been detained since February on "acts against nature" charges, but the prosecution has appealed the decision to drop the proceedings.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye approved the new law at the end of March, after parliament's vote. It entered into force upon its publication in the official gazette on March 30, 2026.

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intentional transmission of HIV