Sonko accuses Western powers of cultural imposition

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko delivered a scathing rebuke on Friday against what he described as Western “tyranny” over homosexuality. Speaking to lawmakers, he condemned attempts by certain Western nations to impose their social values globally. “With eight billion people on Earth, there exists a small group called the West, wielding influence through wealth and media dominance, attempting to dictate norms to the rest of humanity,” Sonko declared.

New law doubles prison sentences for same-sex acts

Senegal passed a sweeping amendment in early March, significantly increasing penalties for homosexual relations. The revised legislation now imposes prison terms of up to a decade—previously capped at five years. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signed the bill into law on March 31. Sonko made it clear during his address that no suspension or moratorium on enforcement would be entertained.

A deeply divisive issue in Senegal

In this majority-Muslim West African state, discussions surrounding homosexuality remain highly contentious across political, religious, and social spheres. While human rights advocates have roundly criticized the law, its supporters argue it upholds the nation’s cultural and religious heritage. The government maintains that its stance reflects national sovereignty in the face of external interference.