Matar Ndiaga Seck arrested in Senegal for alleged ‘unnatural acts’

At 51 years old, Matar Ndiaga Seck—widely described in local coverage as a political associate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko—has been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigations Division (DIC) in connection with an ongoing inquiry into alleged acts against public morals.

Investigation roots traced to northern Senegal

Police records from Linguère, a town in the Louga region, triggered the detention after issuing a regional alert. Investigators cite multiple corroborating pieces of evidence gathered during raids that led to the arrest of over twenty individuals in the Djoloff area.

Legal framework under scrutiny

While authorities have yet to disclose specifics about the charges or the current judicial status, the term acts against public morals aligns with Article 319 of the Senegalese Penal Code, which criminalizes same-sex relations. This legal provision has drawn renewed attention following recent legislative changes.

New penalties heighten concerns

On March 31, 2026, Senegal enacted stricter anti-homosexuality laws that expand punishable offenses and increase maximum prison sentences to a decade. The revisions also broaden the scope of what constitutes promotion of same-sex relations, intensifying enforcement across the country.

Since these amendments took effect, reports indicate over a hundred detentions nationwide. Among those held is a French national, detained since February 14 on related grounds, with advocacy groups coordinating legal support.

Human rights groups mobilize support

Organizations like STOP homophobie have activated emergency response networks to assist victims of persecution, receiving thousands of urgent requests in recent months.