Category: Politics

In a rare public display of internal government disagreement, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has openly challenged President Bassirou Diomaye Faye over the handling of political funds—a reform that was a flagship issue during their election campaign. The tension emerged when Mr. Sonko, addressing lawmakers, disclosed that Guy Marius Sagna, a fellow legislator, had spearheaded the parliamentary initiative to legislate political funding oversight. While the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of the reform, he expressed reservations about the process, arguing that such a critical policy should originate from the executive…

Ousmane Sonko reinforces hardline stance against homosexuality in Senegal The Prime Minister of Sénégal, Ousmane Sonko, issued a stern condemnation on Friday against what he characterizes as Western pressure to “impose homosexuality on the rest of the world.” This firm declaration occurs in a national context already marked by intense hostility and several detentions for alleged same-sex conduct. In early March, Sénégal approved a new legislative measure that doubles the prison sentences for homosexual acts, which are now punishable by five to ten years of incarceration. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye…

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has clarified the government’s stance on the sensitive issue of political funds, openly expressing a difference of opinion with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. “I do not agree with the President on this specific point; I believe he is mistaken and I hope he will reconsider his position,” he declared. He pointed out that their coalition’s promise was never to abolish these financial envelopes, but rather to eliminate the practice of “fictitious funds containing the money of the Sénégalais people, handed over to individuals to use as…

Senegal’s leader stands firm against western pressure on LGBTQ+ rights Share Share Whatsapp LinkedIn Mail messenger May 22, 2026 at 2:14 PM Read in the app The Senegalese parliament approved early March a controversial bill doubling prison sentences for same-sex relations, now punishable by up to a decade. On May 22, 2026, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko forcefully rejected what he termed “Western tyranny” attempting to “impose homosexuality on the rest of the world”. Addressing lawmakers, he dismissed calls for a moratorium on the enforcement of this newly enacted legislation…

During a high-stakes session at the National Assembly this Friday, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko articulated an uncompromising position regarding the country’s legal stance on unnatural acts. Addressing the chamber during a period of government questions, the Prime Minister championed the recent legislative push to intensify legal penalties, promising that the law will be applied rigorously across all levels of society without exception. No immunity for high-profile offenders In a clear signal to the public and the judiciary, Ousmane Sonko warned that the crackdown would not be limited to minor figures.…

Senegal’s political funds debate: Sonko challenges Faye’s stance A sharp disagreement has surfaced in Senegal’s political landscape as Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko publicly challenges President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s handling of political funds—a debate that has simmered since 2019. While Sonko advocates for stringent transparency, he maintains the necessity of these funds, creating internal tensions within the government. Transparency vs. necessity: the political funds controversy During a May 2 interview at the Presidential Palace, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye defended the existence of political funds, acknowledging their sensitivity regarding transparency. He argued…

Politique Pastef 2026: Ousmane Sonko’s candidacy stands alone for party leadership 22/05/2026 The Pastef-Les Patriotes party’s Electoral Regulatory Body, HARP, has published the provisional list of candidates vying to lead the party ahead of its upcoming national convention. In its official decision, the body confirmed that only Ousmane Sonko’s nomination meets the necessary criteria for eligibility at this stage. No other candidacies have been validated so far, according to the document made public by HARP. The Pastef-Les Patriotes convention, scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, will serve as…

Senegal’s prime minister rejects western pressure on homosexuality laws A new law in Senegal has intensified penalties for same-sex relationships in the predominantly Muslim West African nation. During a parliamentary address, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko strongly criticized what he described as Western “tyranny” for attempting to “impose homosexuality” on the rest of the world. He firmly rejected any moratorium on the enforcement of Senegal’s recently passed law that doubles prison sentences for same-sex relationships, now ranging from five to ten years. The legislation was approved in early March and…

Senegal’s prime minister condemns western pressure on homosexuality laws On Friday, May 21, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko stood firmly against international calls to reconsider the nation’s strict stance on homosexuality. Speaking before lawmakers, he framed Western interference as an attempt to impose foreign values on Senegal’s sovereign legal framework. Rejection of Western Demands for Moratorium During his address, Ousmane Sonko forcefully argued that Western nations—despite their global influence—should not dictate Senegal’s legal standards. “With eight billion people worldwide, only a small fraction—the West—holds sway due to economic and media…

Senegal’s PM Sonko rejects western pressure on homosexuality law breaking news The Senegalese Prime Minister forcefully defended on Friday, May 21, the recently enacted legislation that toughens penalties for same-sex relations, firmly rejecting international calls for a moratorium on its implementation. Rejection of western interference in African values Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko delivered a scathing critique of what he termed as western ‘tyranny’ regarding homosexuality during a parliamentary address on Friday. The government leader accused western nations of attempting to impose their cultural norms on the global stage. “While the…

The Senegalese Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has forcefully rejected any reconsideration of the recently enacted legislation that intensifies penalties for same-sex relationships in the country. Speaking to lawmakers, he framed the push for LGBTQ+ rights as “an attempt by Western powers to impose their norms on the rest of the world.” By Ousmane Tandja — Senior correspondent

Speaking before deputies on Friday, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko condemned what he termed “a tyranny of the West,” which he claims is trying to “impose homosexuality on the rest of the world.” He firmly dismissed any possibility of a moratorium on the recently enacted law that increases penalties for same-sex relations in the predominantly Muslim West African nation. By Aïcha Abdou — Senior correspondent