Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to enforcing a newly passed law targeting homosexuality.

Addressing lawmakers during a parliamentary session on May 22, 2026, Sonko dismissed international criticism, particularly from Western nations, regarding the stricter penalties introduced for acts against nature.

The Prime Minister emphasized Senegal’s sovereignty, stating that the country’s laws reflect the values of its people. “The Senegalese people are sovereign. The vast majority do not accept certain practices in Senegal,” he declared.

Sonko’s remarks came in response to pressure from both Western governments and a segment of African activists, including prominent lawyer Alice Nkom, who have condemned the legislation.

“A form of Western tyranny”

In a sharp rebuke of Western influence, Sonko argued that while debates on homosexuality persist within Western societies, their financial and media dominance allows them to impose their views globally. “There exists a form of tyranny. We are eight billion people on Earth, yet a small group—the West—remains divided on this issue. However, due to their resources and control over media, they seek to impose homosexuality worldwide. But on what grounds?” he questioned.

The Prime Minister categorically ruled out any moratorium on the law’s implementation, declaring, “The law will be enforced.”

The controversial legislation, adopted by the National Assembly as law n°2026-08 on March 27, 2026, amends Article 319 of the 1965 Penal Code. It broadens the definition of acts against nature, increases penalties, and criminalizes advocacy and financing of such acts.

Under the new law, any sexual act between individuals of the same sex is classified as an act against nature. Additionally, the law extends this classification to include any sexual act involving a human corpse or an animal.

Violators face imprisonment ranging from five to ten years and fines between 2,000,000 and 10,000,000 West African CFA francs. These penalties apply irrespective of additional charges related to rape or pedophilia.