Political figure linked to Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko detained in northern Senegal
A prominent political associate of Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, Matar Ndiaga Seck, aged 51, has been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigations Division (DIC) under suspicion of committing « acts against nature ».
The arrest follows a police alert issued in Linguère, within the Louga region in northern Senegal. Investigators confirm the existence of corroborating evidence in a case involving at least twenty individuals detained in the Djoloff area.
At this time, Senegalese authorities have not disclosed specific details about the alleged offenses or the current status of the legal proceedings.
Legal framework and recent legislative changes
The term « acts against nature » refers to Article 319 of Senegal’s Penal Code, which criminalizes same-sex relations. In a significant shift in policy, the government enacted a stricter anti-homosexuality law on March 31, 2026, introducing harsher penalties of up to a decade in prison. The legislation also broadens the scope of offenses to include the « promotion » of same-sex relationships.
Since the law’s enforcement, reports indicate over one hundred arrests have occurred nationwide. Notably, a French national has been detained in Senegal since February 14 on similar grounds, with support groups actively coordinating legal assistance for those affected.
Human rights response and emergency support
A leading advocacy group has launched an emergency campaign to assist individuals facing persecution in Senegal. The organization has already fielded over 3,000 requests for support, highlighting the growing humanitarian concerns linked to the enforcement of the new legislation.
