A Dakar-based correspondent reports

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has firmly rejected any possibility of suspending the enforcement of laws criminalizing homosexuality, vowing to eradicate what he calls the spread of such acts and ensuring justice takes its full course. His remarks come amid a crackdown targeting individuals accused of same-sex relations, including several prominent figures with alleged ties to the government.

Over the past three months, more than a hundred people have been detained on charges of unnatural acts, with some accused of intentionally transmitting HIV. The government’s stance remains unyielding despite a recent appeal from African intellectuals, published on May 18, calling for a moratorium on the law’s application.

“We reject external interference”

“We reject any lessons from outside forces,” Sonko declared, condemning what he describes as western tyranny attempting to manipulate global media into normalizing homosexuality worldwide.

Addressing concerns about the nation’s economic challenges, he acknowledged the Senegal’s daunting debt burden, now accounting for 119% of its GDP. While conceding the country’s economic hardships, he defended his administration’s recovery strategy, highlighting improved tax collection as a key revenue driver.

Finance Minister Cheikh Diba sought to reassure citizens, stating, “Debt management is actively underway.” He also revealed plans to resume negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in early June, aiming to finalize a new program framework by June 30. Talks had stalled since October 2025 due to disagreements over whether Senegal’s debt required restructuring.