In a decisive parliamentary address on Friday, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko made it clear that Senegal will enforce its newly amended Penal Code without compromise. Speaking during a session of urgent questions at the National Assembly, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to applying the stricter measures against acts deemed contrary to nature without exception.
Sonko emphasized that once a law is adopted and signed into force, compliance is non-negotiable—even for those who opposed it during legislative debates. The Prime Minister framed the reform as a societal imperative, stressing that laws must be respected by all citizens, regardless of personal or political objections.
The controversial amendment, officially enacted as Law No. 2026-08 on March 27, 2026, revises Article 319 of the 1965 Penal Code. Under the new provisions, individuals convicted of such acts face imprisonment ranging from five to ten years, alongside fines between 2 and 10 million West African CFA francs. The legislation also criminalizes the promotion or financing of these behaviors, broadening its scope beyond individual acts.
Addressing international criticism, particularly from Western nations, Sonko defended Senegal’s legislative autonomy. He asserted that Senegal’s citizens, not foreign governments, determine the country’s moral and social trajectory. “We accept no lessons from abroad on how to govern our society,” he declared, underscoring the principle of national sovereignty in legal and cultural matters.
The Prime Minister framed the reform as a proactive measure to safeguard public health, explicitly linking it to efforts to combat the spread of HIV. He dismissed calls for a moratorium on enforcement, stating that the government’s priority is the strict and immediate application of the law. “There will be no delays, no exceptions,” he affirmed, signaling an unyielding stance on compliance.
