Crackdown on LGBT community fuels fear

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned Senegal’s harsh crackdown on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, warning that mass arrests, forced HIV testing and punitive laws are violating basic rights and fuelling fear and stigma, reports the Jurist. The group urged the government to bring to a halt these abuses immediately, especially as Senegal prepares to host the Youth Olympic Games later this month. HRW researcher Larrissa Kojoué said LGBT people are being forced to curb their normal activities and to keep from exercising their rights for fear of arrest and increasing stigma. In March 2026, Senegal’s Parliament amended Article 319 of the Penal Code, doubling prison terms for consensual same-sex conduct to up to 10 years and criminalising promotion or support of LGBT people and organisations. The country has also increased the maximum fine to 10m CFA francs ($18 000). The International Federation for Human Rights has condemned the legislation’s vague wording which risks criminalising legitimate human rights initiatives. More than 30 of Africa’s 54 countries criminalise same-sex relations. Senegal’s penalties now align with harsh laws in Kenya, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Tanzania with other countries like Uganda and Mauritania imposing harsher punishments including the death penalty.

Full Jurist report