On May 22, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko delivered a fiery defense of his government’s policies during a parliamentary session, marking his fifth round of address since assuming office.
Addressing lawmakers, Sonko was questioned about a newly enacted law that increases prison sentences for same-sex relationships. Over 100 individuals have faced arrests in just three months, prompting public outcries from African intellectuals who issued a joint statement on May 18 calling for a delay in enforcement. The Prime Minister, however, dismissed any possibility of suspending the controversial legislation.
The government’s stance is clear: to curb the spread of what it describes as an undesirable trend, Sonko demanded a rigorous, impartial, and unwavering application of the law. He emphasized that no one—not even influential figures within his own political circle—would be exempt from legal consequences, pointing to recent high-profile arrests as evidence.
International condemnation has mounted against the law, with Western nations expressing grave concerns. Sonko, undeterred, pushed back forcefully, singling out France in particular. He accused certain foreign capitals of engaging in empty posturing, declaring that Senegal would not tolerate outside interference in its domestic affairs.
In a defiant tone, the Prime Minister framed the debate as a clash between Senegalese sovereignty and what he termed “Western tyranny.” He argued that nations pushing for the normalization of same-sex relationships were attempting to impose their values through control of global media narratives. With unyielding resolve, he declared: “If other countries choose these practices, that is their concern—but we will not accept lessons from them, not now, not ever.” He further warned that if the law required even stricter measures, the government would not hesitate to impose them.