Matar Ndiaga Seck detained in Senegal amid ongoing LGBTQ+ crackdown
Matar Ndiaga Seck, a 51-year-old political figure reportedly connected to Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has been apprehended by the Criminal Investigations Division (DIC) following allegations of unnatural acts.
The arrest follows a warrant issued by police in Linguère, located in the Louga region of northern Senegal. Investigators cite multiple corroborating elements in an ongoing case that has already led to the detention of at least 20 individuals in the Djoloff area.
At this point, Senegalese authorities have not disclosed detailed information regarding the charges or the current status of legal proceedings.
Legal context and recent legislative changes
The term unnatural acts refers to violations of Article 319 of the Senegalese Penal Code, which criminalizes same-sex relations. This legislation has recently been strengthened by a law enacted on March 31, 2026, which introduces heavier penalties—up to a decade in prison—and expands the scope of offenses to include the promotion of same-sex relationships.
Since the law took effect, over a hundred arrests have been documented nationwide. A French national remains in custody in Senegal as part of a similar case, with support from international advocacy groups actively monitoring the situation.
Human rights response and emergency support
In response to the rising persecution, a human rights organization has set up an emergency hotline, receiving over 3,000 requests for assistance from individuals facing violence and discrimination. The initiative aims to provide urgent legal and social support for victims amid the intensified enforcement of anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
