An engineer in his thirties has been taken into custody in Dakar, Sénégal, as part of a sweeping wave of detentions linked to the enforcement of laws against same-sex relations.
Detention details and charges
The individual, a resident of Dakar, faces allegations of “unnatural acts, criminal association, money laundering, and attempted transmission of HIV.” Authorities confirmed his arrest during a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ activities in the capital.
France’s diplomatic response
France’s embassy in Dakar has been closely monitoring the case, with consular officials visiting the detainee four times to ensure his well-being. The embassy has also maintained contact with both the individual’s family and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris to coordinate support and advocacy.
Legal backdrop and international stance
In early March, Sénégal enacted stricter penalties for same-sex relationships, introducing prison sentences of up to a decade. This legal shift reflects growing hostility toward LGBTQ+ rights in the region. France, a vocal advocate for the global decriminalization of homosexuality, has reiterated its opposition to discrimination and its commitment to protecting human rights for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation.