Politics

Senegal’s leadership defends tougher penalties for unnatural acts, vows strict enforcement In a decisive parliamentary session, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko made it unequivocally clear that Senegal will enforce its newly amended penal code without compromise. Addressing lawmakers during a high-stakes question-and-answer segment, Sonko emphasized that the revised legislation—particularly changes to Article 319—must be applied uniformly across all segments of society. Speaking on behalf of the government, Sonko underscored that once a law is enacted, it is binding on every citizen, regardless of prior opposition. His remarks followed the recent promulgation of Law No. 2026-08, signed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on March 27, 2026, which strengthens penalties for acts deemed “contrary...

Senegal's prime minister warns against western influence on homosexuality lawsSenegal will not impose a moratorium on enforcing laws against homosexuality, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko declared firmly. He emphasized the need to curb what he termed the 'spread' of such acts and vowed that the justice system would pursue cases rigorously. 'We won’t hide the big fish,' Sonko stated, just days after several individuals close to the government faced arrests on allegations of presumed homosexuality.His stance comes amid rising tensions, with over a hundred people detained in the past three months on charges related to 'unnatural acts,' some of whom also face accusations of deliberately transmitting HIV. The announcement follows a public appeal by African intellectuals, published on May 18, calli...

The official announcement confirmed that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had terminated the mandate of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, thereby dissolving the entire cabinet, including ministers and state secretaries. The decision was broadcast live on national television, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. Word of the dismissal reached the public mere hours after the outgoing Prime Minister addressed lawmakers during a heated parliamentary session. His remarks, delivered in response to urgent questions from legislators, appeared to have sealed his fate. Minutes after the presidential decree was made public, Ousmane Sonko took to X to share his reaction. In a brief but poignant post, he expressed relief, stating that he would rest peacefully in Keur Gorgui tha...

In a bold parliamentary address, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has exposed a growing rift with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye over the oversight of political funds—a reform central to their election campaign promises. The Premier underscored that it was Deputy Guy Marius Sagna who spearheaded the legislative drive to regulate political financing. However, Sonko emphasized that he had not endorsed the parliamentary initiative, asserting that such a critical reform should originate from the executive branch rather than the legislature. He pointed out that he had already alerted President Faye about this concern, stressing the urgency of government intervention on the matter. Yet, the Head of State responded cautiously, requesting additional time to assess the feasibility of the r...

Senegal's prime minister sonko intensifies anti-lgbtq stancePrime Minister Ousmane Sonko has escalated rhetoric against homosexuality, accusing Western nations of attempting to "impose" LGBTQ+ lifestyles on Senegal. This declaration follows a recently enacted law that significantly increases penalties for same-sex relations.In early March, Senegal passed legislation doubling prison sentences for same-sex relationships, raising penalties to five to ten years behind bars. The bill was officially signed into law by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on March 31.Rejecting international criticismDuring a parliamentary address, Prime Minister Sonko dismissed foreign criticism—particularly from France—regarding the new law. He also firmly rejected calls for a moratorium on enforcement, despite a mid...

Senegal's Prime Minister condemns western 'tyranny' over homosexuality debate Dakar — The Senegalese Prime Minister has strongly criticized Western nations for what he describes as an attempt to impose homosexuality on the rest of the world, amidst a new legal crackdown on same-sex relations in the predominantly Muslim West African nation. In a fiery address to lawmakers, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko accused Western powers of attempting to "dictate moral standards" to the global community, while defending Senegal’s newly enacted legislation that doubles prison sentences for same-sex relations. Speaking before the National Assembly on May 22, Sonko declared: "There exists a form of tyranny. With eight billion people on Earth, a small Western elite—despite internal disagreem...

Senegal's leader declares war on unnatural acts with iron-fisted legal crackdown The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, delivered a stern warning during a parliamentary session addressing unnatural acts, emphasizing that the new legislation will be enforced without exception. Speaking at the National Assembly during the current affairs debate, Sonko made it clear that the law targeting such acts will apply to all individuals, regardless of status or influence. In a resolute address, Sonko declared that no one will escape accountability. "Even the big fish will not be spared," he asserted, underscoring the government's commitment to eradicating this scourge from the nation. His remarks reflect a zero-tolerance policy, leaving no room for leniency or backroom deals. The Prime Minis...

Senegal’s political funds debate divides top leaders Tensions escalate in Dakar as Ousmane Sonko, Senegal’s Prime Minister, publicly challenges President Bassirou Diomaye Faye over the management of political funds—a contentious issue that has sparked debate since 2019. While Sonko advocates for stringent transparency, the President maintains these funds are necessary, despite their controversial nature. During a May 2nd interview at the Palais de la République, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye defended the existence of political funds, acknowledging their sensitivity regarding transparency. He argued that these funds, which cannot be publicly itemized, are essential for intelligence, national security, and international solidarity obligations. Ousmane Sonko, head of government, to...

Pastef 2026: Ousmane Sonko remains sole valid candidate for party leadership The High Authority for Party Regulation (HARP) of Pastef-Les Patriotes has released the provisional list of candidates for the upcoming party leadership election ahead of the 2026 congress. In its decision, the body overseeing the internal electoral process confirmed that only Ousmane Sonko’s candidacy has met the necessary criteria to be deemed admissible. No other nominations have been validated at this stage, according to the official document published by HARP. The Pastef-Les Patriotes congress, scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, will serve as the platform to determine the party’s next president. By Harouna Ousmane — Reporter

Senegal’s prime minister rejects western pressure on homosexuality lawsA recent law in Senegal has significantly increased penalties for same-sex relations in the predominantly Muslim West African nation.The Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has condemned what he describes as Western tyranny attempting to impose homosexuality on the rest of the world. Speaking to lawmakers, he firmly rejected any moratorium on the enforcement of a newly passed law that doubles prison sentences for same-sex relations, now punishable by five to ten years behind bars. The legislation, signed into law by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on March 31, follows a wave of homophobia and multiple arrests linked to alleged homosexuality in the country.« There exists a form of tyranny, » Sonko argued. « With eigh...

Senegal’s PM rejects Western pressure amid anti-gay law debateLatest updates. On Friday May 21st, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko vigorously defended the country’s newly tightened penalties for same-sex relations, firmly rejecting any international calls for a moratorium on the legislation.Sonko accuses Western powers of cultural impositionAddressing lawmakers, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko condemned what he described as the West’s “tyranny” over LGBTQ+ issues. “With eight billion people worldwide, it’s a tiny fraction we call the West—wealthy, media-controlling—that seeks to dictate values to the rest of humanity.” His remarks came as Senegal faces mounting criticism over its recent legislative moves.Stricter penalties now in forceAdopted in early March and signed into law by Presid...

Senegal's Prime Minister rejects Western influence on homosexuality law The Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has forcefully defended the country's recently amended law criminalizing same-sex relations, firmly dismissing international calls for a moratorium on its enforcement. Sonko accuses Western nations of cultural imperialism Speaking before the National Assembly on May 21, Ousmane Sonko condemned what he described as "the tyranny of the West" in attempting to impose foreign values regarding homosexuality. The Prime Minister argued that a small group of Western countries, leveraging their economic and media dominance, seeks to override the cultural and moral frameworks of nations worldwide. ...