French civil society organizations and elected officials are mobilizing to support LGBTQ+ individuals in Senegal after the country enacted legislation on March 11 imposing 5 to 10-year prison sentences for same-sex relations. According to reports from May 19, the french association STOP homophobie is currently providing assistance to 68 detainees in Senegal.

The organization is also offering shelter to several refugees in the greater Paris region while facilitating the relocation of nearly 50 individuals to France. A dedicated hotline has been established to address the growing number of urgent cases. Terrence Khatchadourian, the association’s secretary-general, shared: “Until just two weeks ago, we had received over 3,000 calls. Our hotline was overwhelmed and could not handle the volume.”

“France must do more”

Jean-Luc Romero-Michel, an activist and former deputy mayor of Paris, emphasizes that urgent action is still required. “Every message we receive comes from individuals struggling to obtain humanitarian visas. France’s response, so far, is insufficient,” he states.

Ian Brossat, a member of the Paris City Council, is set to propose a motion today allocating housing for Senegalese individuals fleeing persecution. “Condemning the situation in Senegal is commendable, but providing refuge is what truly matters,” he asserts.