More than 70 men have been arrested in Senegal since the country introduced a new law earlier this year criminalising same-sex relations.
Earlier this week, the public prosecutor’s office confirmed that 71 men had been arrested and charged with “unnatural acts”, while a further 28 men had their charges dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Human rights organisations have strongly criticised the legislation, arguing that it undermines fundamental rights and conflicts with international human rights protections.
Journalist and Geopolitical Analyst Amadou Camara Gueye said the arrests form part of an ongoing process that began several months ago, with 28 people subsequently released after authorities determined there was insufficient evidence against them.
Gueye said some organisations and civil society groups remain critical of the arrests, arguing that some of the cases involve broader public health concerns, including allegations that individuals deliberately infected others with HIV.
Gueye said the situation remains tense as those still facing charges await further proceedings.
Asked about the legality of the arrests and the conditions in which the men are being held, Gueye said the detainees are being treated like other prisoners and noted that Senegal’s authorities have reiterated their commitment to improving conditions in detention facilities.
However, Gueye acknowledged that the new legislation has made life increasingly difficult for members of the LGBTQ+ community in Senegal.
In March 2026, Senegal’s National Assembly passed legislation increasing penalties for same-sex relations. The law, subsequently enacted by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, increased prison sentences to between five and 10 years and introduced fines ranging from 2 million to 10 million CFA Francs.
Gueye said opposition to LGBTQ+ rights remains widespread in Senegal, with many people viewing same-sex relationships as incompatible with the country’s social and cultural norms.
Human rights organisations, including international groups, have condemned the legislation and argued that individuals should be protected regardless of their sexual orientation.
The arrests have also raised questions about how the law is applied and whether allegations could lead to detention without sufficient evidence.
Gueye argued that the legislation contains safeguards against false accusations, saying that a person who makes an allegation without evidence could also face legal consequences.
Gueye said the principal change introduced by the new legislation was the tightening of penalties, rather than simply the criminalisation of same-sex relations.
ChannelAfrica