Senegal police detain matur ndiaga seck under criminal code

Close associate of Senegal’s Prime Minister detained in alleged indecency case

Matur Ndiaga Seck, a 51-year-old political figure widely described as a close ally of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has been taken into custody by the Criminal Investigation Division (DIC) in connection with an ongoing probe into alleged indecent acts.

The arrest follows a warrant issued by police in Linguère, a town in the northern region of Louga. Investigators claim to have gathered consistent evidence in a case linked to the detention of over twenty individuals in the Djoloff area.

At this point, Senegalese authorities have not disclosed specific details regarding the charges or the current status of the legal proceedings.

The term indecent acts refers to Article 319 of the Senegalese Penal Code, which criminalizes same-sex relationships. This legal framework has recently been expanded, with new legislation enacted on March 31, 2026, introducing stricter penalties—including potential prison sentences of up to ten years—and broadening the scope of offenses related to the promotion of same-sex relationships.

Since the enforcement of this tougher legislation, reports indicate that over a hundred arrests have occurred nationwide. A French national has also been held in detention since February 14 in a related case, with advocacy groups actively supporting their legal representation.

In response to the growing number of reported violations, an international support campaign has been launched to assist victims of persecution and violence in Senegal. The initiative, which provides emergency assistance, has already received over 3,000 requests for aid.