Senegal Crackdown: Twelve Arrested Amid Rising Homophobia and Fears for LGBTQ+ Rights
A climate of fear is gripping Senegal’s LGBTQ+ community following the recent arrest of twelve men accused of “unnatural acts,” sparking outrage from human rights advocates and raising concerns about escalating discrimination. The arrests, which occurred in recent days, represent a resurgence of homophobia in a country where same-sex relations are criminalized under Article 319 of the Penal Code, punishable by up to five years in prison.
A Climate of Fear
An activist from the Senegalese gay rights group Free Senegal described a pervasive atmosphere of “fear, of terror even,” emphasizing the difficulty of speaking openly about the situation. The twelve men, presented to a prosecutor on Monday, are currently being held in Rebeuss prison in the capital. Among those detained are prominent figures: Pape Cheikh Diallo, a popular radio and television host known for his show “Face à Pape Cheikh,” and Djiby Dramé, a fusion singer performing in Wolof and Soninké.
Beyond accusations of “unnatural acts,” the defendants also face charges of criminal conspiracy, money laundering, the voluntary transmission of HIV/AIDS, and endangering the lives of others – a broadening of the legal net that has drawn criticism.
Legal Framework and Political Backlash
While the legal proceedings fall within the existing framework, the case has ignited a national debate. The provision criminalizing homosexual relations has been regularly debated by human rights organizations and within the public sphere, yet remains in force. This legal context is further complicated by political rhetoric. Ousmane Sonko, the current Prime Minister, previously pledged to strengthen repression of homosexuality while in opposition, even making it a central argument during the 2022 legislative elections.
Recent searches of the accused men’s homes yielded only condoms in one residence, a detail highlighted by observers questioning the basis of the charges. The incident prompted the Senegalese information site Seneplus to ask, “Is tolerance disappearing from Senegal?”
Calls for Acceptance and Condemnation of Discrimination
Seneplus argued against the notion that homosexuality is a foreign import, asserting that “there are no more homosexual people in the West than on the African continent.” The site emphasized the fundamental right to live peacefully and authentically, stating that “no religion, no group can dictate to its members the rejection of a part of the population.” It called for legal protections and the acceptance of homosexuality without harm to others, advocating for the freedom to live openly.
However, this call for tolerance is met with strong opposition. Following the arrests, television and radio broadcasts have been dominated by what World Africa describes as “homophobia that knows no contradiction.” Mame Matar Gueye, president of the Jamra association – a group actively mobilizing against LGBTQ+ rights – expressed “disgust” at the situation on the Walf channel, framing it as a “diabolical activity.” Mass Mboup, leader of the And Samm Jikko Yi movement, which advocates for the criminalization of homosexuality, used the case to demand even harsher legislation.
The situation underscores the deep-seated prejudice faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Senegal and the urgent need for dialogue and legal reform. The ongoing case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of individuals and the fragility of rights in a country grappling with deeply ingrained societal norms.
