A French citizen has been held in custody in Senegal since February 14, facing charges that notably include “unnatural acts.” This detention comes amidst a period where the penalties for homosexual relations in the country have been considerably strengthened, as diplomatic sources have recently confirmed.

The individual, an engineer in his thirties residing in Dakar, was apprehended on February 14, 2026. The accusations leveled against him also encompass “criminal association,” “money laundering,” and “attempted HIV transmission,” occurring during a broader series of arrests.

Our embassy in Dakar is closely monitoring the situation concerning our compatriot. The consulate has provided four consular visits and maintains regular contact with his family, as do the services of the Quai d’Orsay in Paris.

wave of arrests for alleged homosexuality

Senegal, a nation with a predominantly Muslim population, enacted a new law in early March that now imposes prison sentences ranging from five to ten years for homosexual relations. This legislation was formally promulgated by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on March 31.

This legal development unfolds amid a surge of anti-homosexual sentiment across the country and a series of arrests targeting individuals suspected of homosexuality. Same-sex relationships are largely perceived as a deviation in Senegal, and the intensified repression reflects a long-standing political commitment by the ruling party, resonating strongly within the nation.

France reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the universality and indivisibility of human rights, alongside its dedication to the global decriminalization of homosexuality, the advocacy for LGBT+ rights, and the vigorous fight against discrimination rooted in sexual orientation and gender identity.