The Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing a controversial new law that toughens penalties for homosexuality in the country.

Speaking during a parliamentary session on May 22, 2026, Sonko addressed domestic and international criticism targeting Senegal’s decision to increase punishments for acts considered “against nature.”

During the address, Sonko emphasized Senegal’s sovereign right to uphold laws that reflect the values of its majority population. “The Senegalese people are sovereign,” Sonko stated. “The vast majority of them reject certain practices in our society.”

Opposition to Western pressure

Sonko’s remarks came in response to criticism from Western governments and some African activists, including prominent Cameroonian lawyer Alice Nkom, who have condemned the law as discriminatory.

“There exists a form of tyranny,” Sonko argued. “Out of eight billion people worldwide, a small group in the West—despite internal divisions—uses its economic and media influence to impose homosexuality on the rest of the world. And for what reason?”

He categorically ruled out any possibility of a moratorium on the law once enacted, declaring, “This law will be applied.”

The National Assembly had previously adopted Law No. 2026-08 on March 27, 2026, amending Article 319 of the 1965 Penal Code. The revisions expand the definition of “acts against nature,” increase penalties, and criminalize advocacy and financing of such acts.

The updated legislation defines “acts against nature” as any sexual act between individuals of the same gender. It also includes penalties for sexual acts involving corpses or animals.

Under the new law, individuals convicted of “acts against nature” face imprisonment ranging from five to ten years and fines between 2,000,000 and 10,000,000 West African CFA francs. These penalties are in addition to those applicable in cases of rape or pedophilia.