A French national has been held in Senegal for three months following an arrest linked to homosexuality charges, prompting diplomatic attention from Paris.
detention under controversial legislation
Senegalese authorities took the French engineer into custody on February 14, charging him with ‘unnatural acts’—a legal term now encompassing homosexual relations under recently tightened laws. The arrest occurred amid a broader crackdown targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, with multiple detentions reported across the country.
legal consequences and accusations
The detained man, a 30-year-old professional living in Dakar, faces additional allegations including conspiracy, money laundering, and attempted HIV transmission. These charges stem from a coordinated wave of arrests that has intensified scrutiny of LGBTQ+ communities in Senegal.
diplomatic intervention and rights concerns
French diplomats have closely monitored the case, with consular visits confirming the detainee’s well-being. The Quai d’Orsay in Paris reiterated its stance on universal human rights, emphasizing opposition to laws criminalizing homosexuality and discrimination based on sexual orientation.
The new legislation, passed in early March and enacted on March 31 by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, imposes prison sentences of five to ten years for same-sex relations. This move reflects a broader trend of increasing hostility toward LGBTQ+ individuals in Senegal, where such relationships remain socially and legally condemned.
historical context and political motivations
The crackdown aligns with long-standing political promises within Senegal’s ruling party to reinforce conservative values. While international observers decry the regression in LGBTQ+ rights, domestic support for stricter measures persists, driven by cultural and religious norms.
