May 22, 2026

Ouaga Press

Independent English-language coverage of Burkina Faso's most pressing news and developments.

Senegal’s prime minister condemns western influence on LGBTQ+ rights

During a parliamentary session, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko forcefully rejected international pressure regarding the newly enforced legislation that toughens penalties for same-sex relationships in the country. He framed Western influence as “a tyranny seeking to impose homosexuality across the globe.”

The Prime Minister’s remarks came as a direct response to growing calls for a moratorium on the law’s implementation. He stood firm, declaring that Senegal would not yield to external demands, emphasizing the nation’s sovereign right to uphold its cultural and religious values.

With Senegal remaining a predominantly Muslim nation, Sonko’s stance underscores the government’s commitment to traditional norms, even as global human rights organizations criticize the legal amendments. The Prime Minister’s speech highlighted the tension between domestic priorities and international expectations, reinforcing the country’s independent path in shaping its legal and social frameworks.