Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has once again signaled the government’s firm commitment to reinforcing the legal framework regarding homosexuality in Sénégal. He emphasized that the state will ensure the law is applied without exception, prioritizing national sovereignty over international pressure and internal sensitivities.
Uniform application of the law
During a recent address, the head of government clarified that any legislative changes would target all offenders, regardless of their social standing or influence. He made it clear that the era of selective enforcement is over, stating that no one, including influential figures or those he described as “big fish,” will be shielded from legal consequences. The Prime Minister maintained that when a law is enacted, it is impersonal and must be executed with absolute rigor across the entire population.
Critique of previous administrations
Ousmane Sonko also attributed the current social climate to what he described as the negligence of previous administrations. He argued that if past leaders had taken decisive action sooner, the situation would not have reached its present level. This proactive stance by the current executive branch marks a significant departure from the policies of the past, aiming to address the issue with renewed intensity.
Rejection of foreign interference
Addressing the international backlash, specifically from Western nations, the Prime Minister remained defiant. He pointed out that opposition to these measures primarily originates from abroad, notably from France, and asserted that Sénégal does not require external guidance on its internal moral or legal policies. Furthermore, he dismissed calls for a delay or suspension of the legislative process, confirming that no moratorium will be considered despite pressure from certain African intellectuals or foreign entities who attempt to intervene in the nation’s affairs.
