A French national has been held in detention in Senegal for three months under the country’s strict anti-homosexuality laws, sparking international concern and diplomatic intervention.
Reports from Dakar indicate the man, a 30-year-old engineer residing in the capital, was arrested on February 14 following a broader crackdown on alleged same-sex relations. Authorities cited charges including “unnatural acts,” conspiracy, money laundering, and alleged HIV transmission as part of the case.
new legislation intensifies legal repression
Senegal’s parliament approved sweeping amendments in early March, increasing prison sentences for homosexuality from five to ten years. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signed the bill into law on March 31, reinforcing the country’s conservative stance on LGBTQ+ rights within a predominantly Muslim society.
The crackdown coincides with a surge in homophobic rhetoric and multiple arrests targeting individuals suspected of same-sex conduct. Public sentiment in Senegal has long viewed such relations as morally unacceptable, with political leaders frequently leveraging anti-LGBTQ+ policies for electoral support.
diplomatic response and ongoing monitoring
France’s embassy in Dakar has maintained close contact with the detained man, conducting four consular visits to ensure his welfare. Diplomatic sources confirmed that authorities in Paris continue to monitor the situation closely, liaising with the individual’s family and legal representatives.
In a statement, French officials reaffirmed the country’s commitment to universal human rights, including the decriminalization of homosexuality worldwide and the protection of LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.