The Senegalese Prime Minister has categorically ruled out any moratorium on the enforcement of laws criminalizing homosexuality, vowing to crack down on what he describes as the spread of such practices in the country.

Ousmane Sonko made these remarks while addressing recent arrests of several individuals, including prominent figures close to the government, accused of engaging in same-sex relations. He emphasized that justice would be pursued relentlessly, stating there would be no hiding of what he termed the big fish involved in these cases.

Sonko’s firm stance comes amid a surge in arrests over the past three months, with over a hundred people detained on charges of unnatural acts, some of whom face additional accusations of intentionally spreading HIV. This crackdown has drawn criticism from African intellectuals, who, in a joint statement issued on May 18, called for a temporary halt to the law’s application.

“We refuse to be lectured”

“We refuse to be lectured on this matter,” Sonko declared, condemning what he described as Western tyranny that seeks to impose its values through what he alleges is control over global media narratives.

During his address, Sonko also highlighted Senegal’s staggering public debt, which now stands at 119% of GDP. While acknowledging the country’s dire economic situation, he defended the government’s economic recovery plan and highlighted improved tax collection as key steps toward financial stabilization.

The Finance Minister, Cheikh Diba, sought to reassure the public, stating that debt management is being actively addressed. He also announced the resumption of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in early June, with plans to finalize a new program framework by June 30. Discussions with the IMF were suspended in October 2025 due to disagreements over whether Senegal’s debt required restructuring.