A 30-year-old French engineer has been held in detention in Dakar for nearly three months following an arrest linked to alleged same-sex relations, according to diplomatic sources. The individual was taken into custody on 14 February under charges that include unnatural acts, conspiracy, money laundering, and attempted transmission of HIV.
escalating anti-lgbt measures in Senegal
This case unfolds against a backdrop of intensified legal crackdowns on homosexuality in Senegal. Earlier this month, lawmakers approved a bill imposing prison sentences of five to ten years for same-sex relations, which President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signed into law on 31 March. The legislation reflects a broader shift toward stricter enforcement of anti-LGBTQ+ policies in the predominantly Muslim nation.
diplomatic response and ongoing concerns
French authorities have confirmed they are closely monitoring the situation through their embassy in Dakar and the consulate, which has conducted multiple visits to ensure consular protection. Family members have also been kept informed throughout the process. In an official statement, the French Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its 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.
The recent arrests, including that of the French national, are part of a wider wave of detentions linked to alleged homosexuality. While same-sex relationships remain criminalized, the enforcement of these laws has surged, fueled by political rhetoric and social intolerance. Observers note that such measures have long been a political priority for ruling factions in Senegal, resonating with conservative voter bases.