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 signed into law by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on March 31. Its passage follows a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and a series of arrests related to alleged same-sex conduct.

Sonko questioned the legitimacy of Western demands, stating, “There is a form of tyranny at work. The world has eight billion people, yet a small group—calling itself the West—where the debate isn’t even settled, is trying to impose its views on the rest of the globe. On what grounds?” He added that despite criticism from abroad, particularly from France, Senegal would not be lectured. “If they’ve chosen these practices, that’s their issue. We won’t accept lessons from them—never.”

No moratorium on enforcement

The Prime Minister dismissed Western calls for a moratorium, asserting, “No Asian, African, or Arab nation has criticized us for this law. If it needs to be strengthened further, it will be.” He emphasized that the judiciary must ensure the law is applied “fully, impartially, and rigorously,” as its primary goal is to “halt the spread” of homosexuality in Senegal.

Sonko also dismissed a mid-May petition signed by around thirty prominent figures of African descent, published in a French newspaper, which called for a moratorium on the law’s implementation. The petition cited a climate of fear, hatred, and violence in Senegal following the law’s adoption. “There will be no moratorium,” he declared. “Some of our elites are still burdened by colonial complexes.”

Same-sex relations remain socially taboo in Senegal, and the crackdown on them has long been a political rallying point for the ruling party.