Politics

In a bold parliamentary statement, Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko strongly defended the nation's recent legislation that toughens penalties for same-sex relations. Speaking before lawmakers, he condemned what he described as "Western tyranny" attempting to force its cultural values on Africa. Sonko argued that foreign powers are trying to impose homosexuality as a global standard, which he sees as a direct threat to Senegal's sovereignty and moral fabric. His remarks came in response to growing international criticism following the adoption of the stringent new law targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. The Prime Minister made it clear that Senegal would not entertain any discussions about a moratorium on the law's implementation. He emphasized that the country's legal framework reflects ...

During a heated parliamentary session, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko forcefully pushed back against mounting criticism from Western nations regarding the country’s strengthened penalties for same-sex relations. Standing before lawmakers, he condemned what he described as an oppressive campaign by the West to forcefully export LGBTQ+ rights across the globe. Sonko’s remarks came in direct response to international calls for a moratorium on the enforcement of the newly amended legislation, which imposes stricter punishments for homosexuality in the predominantly Muslim nation. In his address, he made it clear that Senegal would not yield to external pressures, emphasizing the country’s sovereign right to uphold its cultural and moral values. a firm stance on national sovereignty ...

22 May 2026DownloadSwitch to dark modeSwitch to light modeSenegal's prime minister takes firm stance against unnatural acts in national assemblybreaking22 May 2026Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, delivered a robust defense on Friday of the newly enacted legislation targeting stricter penalties for unnatural acts. During the government question-and-answer session in the National Assembly, he presented a resolute and uncompromising stance, declaring the state’s position on what he described as the “alarming spread of this phenomenon.”Addressing lawmakers, Sonko clarified that the law applies universally and does not single out any specific group. “A law, once passed, is impersonal. No targeted interventions were intended,” he emphasized during his parliamentary address.The Prime Mini...

This Friday, May 22, 2026, Senegal’s National Assembly convened a pivotal plenary session centered on pressing issues requiring government clarification. At the heart of the proceedings was Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who, alongside key cabinet members, fielded pointed inquiries from legislators on critical national matters. The high-stakes session, broadcast live, drew significant public attention as deputies scrutinized the administration’s handling of major policy challenges. From economic reforms to social welfare initiatives, the Prime Minister’s responses were closely watched by citizens and political observers alike. The exchange underscored the government’s accountability to both the legislative body and the electorate. The televised address provided a platform for transparent ...

Senegal's prime minister clamps down on excessive official travel Dakar — Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has launched a sweeping crackdown on what he describes as excessive foreign travel by senior officials, including ministers and directors-general of state-owned enterprises. The new measures aim to impose stricter oversight on administrative missions abroad, which Sonko argues have spiraled out of control. Crackdown targets both ministers and directors-general Sonko has made it clear that travel requests from ministers will face automatic scrutiny. "I now block nearly all travel requests from ministers outright," he stated. "However, the directors-general present a different challenge. They often bypass my office by seeking approval from their respective ministries." The Prime Minis...

The Patriotic Africans of Senegal for Work, Ethics, and Fraternity (Pastef) party is set to convene its first-ever elective national congress on June 6 and 7, 2026, in Dakar. This landmark event will center on electing the party’s new leadership while also charting its strategic political course for the coming years. With Senegal’s electoral landscape looming large—municipal elections in 2027 and the presidential race in 2029—the congress takes on added significance as a pivotal moment in the party’s trajectory. In a move that reflects the party’s internal cohesion, the High Authority for Party Regulation (HARP) has officially released the list of validated candidates for the presidency. As anticipated, incumbent Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko stands alone as the sole candidate for his own ...

In Senegal, the unfolding political landscape this week once again underscores the delicate balance at the heart of the executive branch, where President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko navigate increasingly divergent paths. Starting May 21, the Head of State will embark on an extensive round of consultations with the nation’s key stakeholders. Over ten days, political parties, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and traditional authorities will be invited to participate in a national dialogue designed to symbolize openness and collective decision-making. This initiative marks a departure from the annual dialogue day established during Macky Sall’s presidency. While some view it as a strategic move to reinforce President Faye’s image as a unifying figur...

Homosexuality – Ousmane Sonko attacks again: “No one will be protected” Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has reaffirmed the Senegalese government's resolve to strengthen legislation concerning homosexuality, emphasizing the critical need for strict enforcement of existing laws. Amidst a backdrop of international criticism, he firmly rejects external interference, asserting Sénégal's sovereign right to determine its own policies on this sensitive matter. Par    Suivre Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has once again addressed the critical issue of tightening legislation regarding homosexuali...

Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko reaffirms tough stance on homosexuality The Senegalese government, led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has once again underscored its commitment to strengthening laws against homosexuality, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement. In a recent statement, Sonko defended the country's sovereign right to determine its own legal framework regarding this sensitive issue, pushing back against international criticism. In his address, Sonko made it clear that legal frameworks in Senegal apply equally to all individuals, regardless of social status or influence. He stated, "No one will be shielded from these laws, as they are designed to address the core issues at hand. The legislation is clear, and its enforcement will be unwavering." Reflecting on t...

In N’Djamena, the Supreme Court of Chad has officially dismissed the final appeal lodged by the legal team of former Prime Minister Succès Masra. This judicial conclusion makes his 20-year prison sentence definitive regarding the fatal unrest in Mandakao. The former head of government and leader of the Les Transformateurs party, Succès Masra, has seen his 20-year prison term confirmed without further possibility of domestic appeal. On Thursday, May 21, the Supreme Court in N’Djamena rejected the cassation request submitted by his lawyers, effectively ending his legal options within the national court system. The political figure was originally sentenced last August by the Criminal Court on several counts, including the "spreading of racist and xenophobic messages," "criminal associatio...

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko answers legislative queries During a high-stakes session at the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko engaged with deputies to address pressing national concerns. The Prime Minister took a firm stance on social legislation, particularly regarding the country's anti-homosexuality laws. He asserted that if these regulations require strengthening, the government will not hesitate to do so, emphasizing that Sénégal does not need external guidance on its internal moral and legal frameworks. Focus on transparency and accountability The session also touched upon the critical issue of accountability and the recovery of public assets. Ousmane Sonko shared his reflections on the ongoing process of reddition des comptes, admitting that he occasionally ha...

HARP validates sole candidacy for PASTEF leadership election The High Authority for Party Regulation (HARP) of PASTEF-Les Patriotes has released its provisional decision on candidate eligibility for the upcoming party presidential election. Following a thorough review of all submitted applications before the May 20, 2026 deadline, the regulatory body chaired by Mouhamadou Ngouda Mboup has approved only one valid candidacy: that of incumbent president Ousmane Sonko. All seven competing applications were disqualified due to administrative and statutory deficiencies. The detailed rejection reasons highlight recurring compliance failures among the rejected candidates. Common disqualification grounds: financial and procedural lapses The HARP report identifies multiple grounds for rejection:...