FILE PHOTO: SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB. Anti‑LGBT supporters march through the streets during a protest calling for tougher action after authorities detained people for what police said were crimes including same‑sex intercourse and intentional HIV transmission, and about a dozen others, in what police said was a child‑abuse network, in Dakar, Senegal, February 14, 2026. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra/File Photo
A French engineer has been detained in Senegal for three months on charges related to homosexuality, as the country intensifies its crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights. The arrest, which occurred on February 14, has drawn international attention to the worsening legal environment for same-sex relations in the West African nation.
Diplomatic sources confirm the 30-year-old man, residing in Dakar, was taken into custody under accusations including “unnatural acts,” “criminal association,” and “attempted transmission of HIV.” These charges stem from a broader wave of arrests targeting individuals suspected of homosexual conduct in Senegal.
New legislation fuels persecution
In early March, Senegal’s parliament approved a sweeping amendment to its penal code, introducing prison sentences of five to ten years for same-sex relationships. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye signed the law into effect on March 31, signaling a sharp departure from previous legal norms and emboldening authorities to enforce stricter penalties.
This legislative shift arrives amid a surge in public hostility toward LGBTQ+ individuals, with multiple high-profile arrests reported in recent weeks. Same-sex relationships remain deeply stigmatized in Senegal, a predominantly Muslim nation where such conduct is widely condemned. The government’s tougher stance on the issue has resonated with conservative factions, reinforcing its political appeal in the run-up to upcoming elections.
France intervenes in detained national’s case
French authorities have closely monitored the situation, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming the consulate in Dakar has conducted four visits to the detainee as part of consular protection protocols. Diplomatic teams in both Senegal and France continue to liaise with the man’s family to ensure his rights are upheld during detention.
In a statement, French officials reaffirmed the country’s commitment to universal human rights, emphasizing the need for the decriminalization of homosexuality worldwide. The government has vowed to advocate for the protection of LGBTQ+ individuals and combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The case underscores the growing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities in Senegal, where legal reforms and societal attitudes are increasingly aligned against their rights. International observers warn that the new law risks isolating the country further on global human rights platforms.
