Dakar — Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has firmly rejected calls for a moratorium on the enforcement of laws criminalizing homosexuality, vowing to crack down on its proliferation and ensure the justice system pursues cases to the fullest extent. During a recent address, Sonko made it clear that no concessions would be made, declaring that authorities would not shield high-profile figures from prosecution.
His remarks come amid a surge in arrests, with over a hundred individuals detained in the past three months under accusations of unnatural acts—some of whom face additional charges of knowingly transmitting HIV. The crackdown has drawn sharp criticism from local and international observers, including a group of African intellectuals who, in a public statement on May 18, urged the government to suspend enforcement of these laws.
Sonko condemns western ‘tyranny’ over LGBTQ+ rights
Sonko doubled down on his stance, dismissing the idea that Senegal should take lessons on the matter. He accused Western nations of attempting to impose their values through media influence, framing the push for LGBTQ+ acceptance as an act of cultural imperialism. “We refuse to be dictated to,” he asserted, emphasizing that Senegal would not bow to external pressure on its legal and social frameworks.
Economic challenges overshadow political tensions
Amid the heated debate on human rights, Sonko also addressed Senegal’s economic crisis, highlighting a public debt that has ballooned to 119% of GDP. While acknowledging the country’s “dire financial situation“, he defended his administration’s recovery plan, which includes stricter tax enforcement to bolster revenue. Finance Minister Cheikh Diba sought to reassure the public, stating that debt management strategies were being actively pursued.
Diba also announced the resumption of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in early June, with the goal of finalizing a new support program by June 30. Talks had stalled since October 2025 due to disagreements over whether Senegal’s debt required restructuring.
