Human rights groups have condemned the arrest of twelve people in Senegal for same-sex intimacy amid warnings that the government is planning to increase jail sentences for homosexuality in an anti-LGBTQ crackdown.
According to the national armed police, local officials in Dakar investigated reports “concerning the activities of an HIV-positive individual who allegedly continued to engage in ‘unnatural acts’ [a term used to describe same-sex intimacy],” leading to his arrest on 4 February. Further investigations and the interrogation of the man resulted in the arrest of 11 others.
Authorities charged all twelve with criminal conspiracy, “unnatural acts”, the deliberate transmission of HIV/AIDS through unprotected sexual intercourse, and endangering the lives of others.
Those arrested include well-known musician Djiby Dramé and television and radio presenter Pape Cheikh Diallo. Reports indicate that police seized condoms and lubricants during the arrests and publicly announced the HIV status of several of the men.
“Criminalising same-sex conduct and arresting people for their sexual orientation or gender expression violates multiple internationally protected rights, including to equality and non-discrimination,” said Human Rights Watch (HRW) researcher Larissa Kojoué.
Kojoué added: “Using condoms, lubricants, or HIV treatment as evidence of same-sex conduct; forcing HIV testing; and publishing someone’s HIV status breach privacy rights and relevant international norms and deter people from seeking care, undermining essential HIV prevention and treatment efforts.”
Move to Increase Penalties
Under current legislation, the men could face up to five years in prison and fines ranging from 100,000 to 1,500,000 CFA (about US$180 to US$2,700) for same-sex conduct. They could also face up to ten years in prison for the intentional transmission of HIV.
There are reports, however, that the government is set to strengthen the penal code provisions against “acts against nature”, with a draft law to clarify the definition of these offences and increase penalties.
French LGBTQ organisation, Stop Homophobie, reported that the text has been adopted by the Council of Ministers and is awaiting review by Parliament.
“The proposed amendments would broaden the scope of the offences and strengthen the criminalisation, with direct consequences for the individuals concerned and for the associations and professionals who support them,” said the organisation.
HRW noted lawmakers had previously introduced two unsuccessful attempts, in 2022 and 2024, to pass legislation to increase the penalties for “acts against nature.”
