World · Africa · 10 hrs ago
Senegal crackdown on LGBTQ+ people raises human rights concerns
Human Rights Watch says Senegal has intensified its crackdown on LGBTQ+ people, with arrests and violations of their rights.
Parliament passed a law earlier this year that raises prison terms for people convicted of homosexuality to five to 10 years.
Same-sex sexual conduct has been criminalized in Senegal since 1965.
There is no official count of arrests under the new law, but rights groups estimate that at least 212 people, or more than 300, were arrested between February and July.
The law also punishes the promotion or financing of homosexuality.
Human Rights Watch says fear and stigma are pushing people to hide and avoid HIV testing and treatment.
The group has urged Senegal’s government to halt the crackdown.
Human Rights Watch says Senegal’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ people has involved arrests and rights violations and increased fear and stigma.
The group says the crackdown followed passage of a law that doubled prison terms for people convicted of homosexuality to five to 10 years.
The law also punishes the promotion or financing of homosexuality.
Rights groups reported differing arrest counts: at least 212 between February and July, according to one group, and more than 300, according to another.
Human Rights Watch says fear of arrest is driving people into hiding and discouraging them from seeking HIV testing and treatment.
- Who
- LGBTQ+ people in Senegal are affected. Human Rights Watch reported on the crackdown.
- What
- Senegal has increased penalties for homosexuality and is arresting people under the new law, according to the report.
- When
- The law was passed earlier in 2026. Reported arrests took place between February and July.
- Where
- Senegal.
- Why
- The law punishes homosexuality and the promotion or financing of homosexuality. Human Rights Watch says the crackdown is causing fear and stigma.
Human Rights Watch
Senegalese lawmakers who supported the law
Purpose
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch says the crackdown threatens people’s rights and should stop.
Senegalese lawmakers who supported the law
Parliament passed the law with near-unanimous support.
Penalties
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Watch says the crackdown is causing fear and stigma.
Senegalese lawmakers who supported the law
The law doubles prison terms for people convicted of homosexuality to between five and 10 years.
Senegal criminalized same-sex sexual conduct.
Parliament passed a law increasing punishment for homosexuality with near-unanimous support.
Rights groups reported arrests under the new law, with estimates ranging from at least 212 to more than 300.
A court dismissed charges against 82 people accused of “voluntary HIV transmission.
Human Rights Watch published a report on the crackdown.
- Prison terms
- Five to 10 years for people convicted of homosexuality
- Reported arrests
- At least 212, according to the African Forum for the Defense of Human Rights
- Alternative arrest estimate
- More than 300, according to HIV Justice Network
- Charges dismissed
- 82 people charged with “voluntary HIV transmission”; a court dismissed the charges in August
- Existing criminalization
- Same-sex sexual conduct has been criminalized in Senegal since 1965
What people are saying
LGBT people are being forced to curb their normal activities and to keep from exercising their rights for fear of arrest and increased stigma.
Senegal’s government should call a halt to this crackdown, which threatens everyone’s rights.
Sources
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