Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko delivered a forceful address to the National Assembly on Friday, defending a newly passed law that imposes stricter penalties for acts deemed unnatural. Speaking during the session of questions to the government, the Prime Minister asserted a clear and uncompromising stance from the state regarding what he described as the rising concern over this issue.

Addressing lawmakers directly, Ousmane Sonko emphasized that the law applies universally without targeting any specific group. “A law, once enacted, is impersonal. No individual or group was singled out,” he stated clearly in front of the assembly.

The Prime Minister also highlighted strong backing from religious leaders for the legislative move. He noted that several religious guides and authorities had reached out to express their approval of the government’s initiative.

In a speech filled with determination, the head of government exposed alleged networks promoting these practices in Senegal. He pointed to cases involving young students who reportedly received financial incentives and smartphones, warning that without state intervention, society risked normalizing such behaviors.

Stressing the need for strict enforcement, Ousmane Sonko called on the judiciary to uphold the law rigorously. “Justice must ensure the full, complete, and impartial application of this law,” he declared, vowing that no leniency would be shown to those involved. “We will not shield the powerful,” he warned.

Additionally, the Prime Minister dismissed any foreign pressure on this societal matter. Referencing Western nations, he reaffirmed Senegal’s sovereignty in making its own choices. “We do not accept lessons from anyone,” he asserted, adding that “the Senegalese people as a whole reject this practice.”

Addressing the international context, Ousmane Sonko criticized attempts to impose certain cultural and social models on African countries. He also took aim at “a segment of Senegal’s elite” whom he accused of being “inferiority complexed” in the face of Western stances.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister ruled out any possibility of suspending or softening the measure. “There will be no moratorium,” he stated firmly, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fully implementing the new law.