escalating homophobic persecution in Senegal: lgbtq+ individuals face brutal crackdown

hundreds of men have been arrested in recent weeks, some even lynched by mobs, as Senegal’s anti-lgbtq+ laws are drastically tightened with sentences up to ten years in prison.

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under the hostile cries of a mob, a man is led away by gendarmerie officers in downtown dakarr (Senegal) on february 13, 2026. neighbors shout “góor-jigéen”, which translates to “man-woman” in wolof, accusing him of being homosexual. this scene is repeating across the country: over a hundred arrests have been made in recent weeks. in some cases, individuals have been beaten to death due to their perceived sexual orientation.

as a result, lgbtq+ individuals are forced into hiding, like one man who enters a french television team’s vehicle. if recognized, he faces up to ten years in prison for unnatural acts under Senegal’s new law. “all the time, you’re afraid they might come for you. you can’t live normally. you’re forced to hide from everyone. it’s unbearable—this isn’t a life. living in constant fear isn’t sustainable,” he confesses. since “the start of these events,” he says he hasn’t seen anyone.

many lgbtq+ individuals now prefer to turn themselves in rather than risk being attacked by mobs or neighbors based on rumors. “it’s pure hatred. they’ve been brainwashed into believing that hating an lgbtq+ person makes them more religious. some even think killing an lgbtq+ person will send them straight to paradise. but who you love—men or women—is a personal matter, between you and god,” he explains.

new draconian law

in mid-february, a french national was arrested at his dakarr home. the 30-year-old engineer had been living in Senegal. in the police photo, he’s surrounded by three other suspects arrested the same day. he remains in prison. his family and lawyer have refused to comment, fearing reprisals. friends are devastated. “we were shocked. then we learned the details of his arrest—it was even more horrifying. police knocked on his door, he opened it, and they dragged him away. this is how they operate: raids,” one friend reveals.

in Senegal, a 95% muslim country, homosexuality has long been widely rejected. while a law criminalizing same-sex acts existed since 1966, it was rarely enforced. this time, the new government proposed far more extreme legislation, supported by all members of parliament. “lgbtq+ individuals will no longer breathe freely in this country,” one politician declared. “we consider lgbtq+ values a cultural poison deliberately injected into our society,” another railed.

now, same-sex acts are punishable by five to ten years in prison. “this ultra-repressive law was passed unanimously: 135 votes in favor, none against. three lawmakers abstained—not because they opposed the bill, but because they wanted harsher penalties,” explains nicolas bertrand of french television africa.

life-saving treatment at risk

amid this widespread homophobia, a few voices are calling for reason. dr. safiathou thiam is one of them. she serves as executive secretary of Senegal’s national aids council. however, the new law also criminalizes those who provide aid to lgbtq+ individuals. healthcare workers assisting hiv-positive patients feel targeted. “treating someone with hiv, regardless of their sexual orientation, is our medical duty. we can’t abandon them. they depend on us. but this situation is extremely difficult,” dr. thiam admits, expressing both concern and cautious optimism. “i hope we’ll come to our senses,” she concludes.

given the threats, many lgbtq+ individuals living with hiv are too afraid to collect their medication, fearing arrest. experts warn this could trigger a resurgence of aids in Senegal.