Senegal arrests local figure linked to Ousmane Sonko over alleged unnatural acts

Matar Ndiaga Seck, a 51-year-old political figure widely recognized as a close associate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigations Division (DIC) in connection with a probe into alleged unnatural acts.

The arrest follows a warrant issued by police authorities in Linguère, located in the Louga region of northern Senegal. Investigators have reportedly gathered matching evidence in a case tied to the detention of at least twenty individuals in the Djoloff area.

At this stage, Senegalese officials have not disclosed specific details regarding the charges or the current status of the legal proceedings.

The term unnatural acts refers to Article 319 of the Senegalese Penal Code, which criminalizes same-sex relationships. In a further escalation, the government enacted a stricter anti-homosexuality law on March 31, 2026, introducing penalties of up to a decade in prison and broadening the scope to include promotion of same-sex relations.

Since the law’s implementation, over a hundred detentions have been reported nationwide. A French national has also been held in Senegal since February 14 in a related case, with support groups actively assisting through legal representation.

Advocacy organizations have launched emergency response initiatives for victims of violence and persecution in Senegal, fielding more than 3,000 requests for assistance through their international hotlines.